How to play American mahjong: a beginner's guide
How to play American mahjong, step by step: the tiles, the yearly card, the Charleston, how a turn goes and how to win. A clear guide for beginners.
Beginner guides
How to play mahjong: beginner guides
Mahjong is easier to learn than it looks, and it is much easier at a real table than from a rulebook. These guides take it one step at a time, define every term the first time, and tell you when your group may play it differently.
Guides
American vs Chinese vs Riichi mahjong: which should you learn?
American vs Chinese mahjong, plus Riichi: compare tiles, jokers, scoring and learning curve, and find the version that suits you.
The mahjong Charleston explained, step by step
Mahjong Charleston rules for beginners: the order of passes, what you can't pass, the blind pass, the second Charleston and the courtesy pass, with simple tips.
The shortest path from zero to your first game
Pick a version
Most US groups play American mahjong. If your friends play something else, learn that one. The comparison guide helps you choose.
Meet the tiles
Learn the suits, winds, dragons, flowers and jokers once, and the rest of the game gets easier. See the tiles guide.
Learn the flow of a turn
Draw, discard, claim, and what it means to win. Start with how to play American mahjong.
Practice the Charleston
The tile swap before play is the part that feels like a blur at first. Walk through it slowly in the Charleston guide.
Coming soon
- How to set up an American mahjong game: wall, racks and dice
- Jokers in American mahjong: what they can and cannot do
- American mahjong scoring and payouts for beginners
- 12 common American mahjong beginner mistakes
More from the guide
American mahjong
American mahjong for beginners: the 152-tile set, the yearly card, jokers and the Charleston, explained step by step in our own words.
Chinese and Hong Kong mahjong
Chinese and Hong Kong mahjong for beginners: a 136-tile set, no card, no jokers, and one of the easiest ways into the game.
Riichi mahjong
Riichi mahjong for beginners: the Japanese style with a 136-tile set, red fives and a declared ready hand, explained in plain English.
Gear
Mahjong gear for beginners: what is in a tile set, how to check you have the right one, and honest buying advice.
Etiquette
Mahjong etiquette for beginners: the unwritten table manners that make new players feel welcome and keep games friendly.
Where to play
Where to play mahjong: how to find a beginner-friendly group, class or club near you, and what to ask before your first game.