Learn Mahjong,
From Tiles to Play
A clear beginner's guide to mahjong tiles, table setup, gameplay, and the essential terms you need at the table.
Mahjong can look complicated at first, but the basics are approachable: learn the tile families, understand the table setup, and follow the draw-and-discard rhythm.
This guide gives new players a practical starting point for recognizing tiles, building the table, taking a turn, and learning essential terms. Mahjong has many regional variations, so use the rules for your chosen version when you begin playing.
Get to know the tiles
A standard mahjong set includes suited tiles, honor tiles, and—depending on the variation—bonus tiles. In NMJL-style American Mah Jongg, a complete set uses 152 tiles: three suits, winds, dragons, flowers, and eight Jokers. Players also use racks, dice, and the current annual NMJL card.
Characters
Also called cracks or wan. These tiles are numbered one through nine.
Bamboos
Often called bams. Look for bamboo-style markings numbered one through nine.
Dots
Also called circles or coins. Each tile has one through nine circular symbols.
Honors
Winds and dragons. They are not numbered but can form valuable matching sets.
Helpful tip: Start by learning the three suits. Once you can recognize them quickly, the rest of the table becomes much easier to follow.
Set up the table
American Mah Jongg is normally played by four people, with each player facing one side of the table. The tiles are turned face down, mixed, and built into four walls, usually two tiles high. East begins with 14 tiles; the other players begin with 13.
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1Mix the tiles
Turn all tiles face down and gently shuffle them around the table.
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2Build the walls
Arrange the tiles into four neat walls, one in front of each player.
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3Choose seats and a dealer
Regional rules decide how seats and the starting dealer are selected.
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4Draw your starting hand
In American Mah Jongg, East receives 14 tiles and each other player receives 13.
American Mah Jongg note: Before regular play, players typically complete the Charleston by passing three unwanted tiles to the right, across, and to the left. A second Charleston may be played if everyone agrees.
How a turn works
Most mahjong games follow a steady draw-and-discard rhythm. On your turn, you draw a tile, decide whether it improves your hand, and discard one tile. The goal is to build a winning combination before another player does.
When a discarded tile helps complete a combination, other players may be able to claim it. The exact names and rules for these calls differ by region, which is why it is always worth asking which version you are playing before the first hand.
Notice which tiles other players discard.
Do not commit to one pattern too early.
Every table has its own rhythm and house rules.
Essential mahjong terms
- Hand
- The tiles a player is holding during a round.
- Pair
- Two identical tiles.
- Sequence
- Three consecutive tiles in the same suit, used in many non-American styles. NMJL-style American Mah Jongg uses the combinations shown on its annual card instead.
- Triplet
- Three identical tiles.
- Wall
- The rows of face-down tiles built around the table.
- Discard
- A tile placed face up after a player draws.
Mahjong basics FAQ
How many people play mahjong?
Mahjong is most commonly played with four players, although some variations can be adapted for three players.
Is mahjong difficult to learn?
The basic draw-and-discard rhythm is easy to learn. Scoring and regional rules take more time, so start with one version and build from there.
Are all mahjong rules the same?
No. American Mah Jongg, Hong Kong Mahjong, Riichi Mahjong, and other versions have different tiles, winning patterns, and scoring systems.
