The NMJL card
Every player needs the current year’s card, which comes out each spring. I recommend the large size (6⅛″ × 4¾″). It’s the version students get in my class.
Order from the NMJLStudent Gear Guide
Choosing your first Mah Jongg set.
The question I hear most after class is “What should I buy?” Here’s what to look for, and the card, rulebook, tiles and racks I recommend to my own students.
01 · From the League
Start with the NMJL essentials.
These are my top recommendations for every player. Buy them directly from the National Mah Jongg League rather than a reseller so you get the official versions and the League gets the support.
Mah Jongg Made Easy
The League’s official instruction book (Revised Edition 2024). Listed in the NMJL store as Instruction Book “Mah Jongg Made Easy” Revised Edition 2024.
Order from the NMJLWhy the card comes first. Every winning hand in American Mah Jongg is on this year’s card, and the hands change every year. Last year’s card won’t match the game being played at the table.
Taking Learn to Play? The class includes one card, but every player at the table needs their own. If you’ll be playing at home with friends or family, order extras from the NMJL.
02 · Tiles
What to look for in a tile set.
- Required152 tiles for NMJL play, including 8 jokers and 8 flowers.
- Nice extrasMost sets also include 2 extra jokers, 8 extra flowers, and blank tiles you can use to replace any that go missing.
- Size1.2″ is the standard size. 1.5″ “chunky” tiles are nice for playing without racks, especially if you plan to try Asian variants of mahjong.
When you’re learning, choose a set with standard, traditional tile faces. Decorative designs are fun later, but traditional faces make tiles much faster to recognize and match what you’ll see at most tables.
My recommendations
Tiles, racks & dice
Everything you need to get started in one box.
View on AmazonStandard tiles
Traditional faces at the standard size. The right place for most players to start.
View on AmazonChunky tiles
Great for playing without racks. If you do use racks, you’ll need 20″ ones.
View on AmazonSemi-traditional tiles
A multi-layer set that keeps faces close enough to traditional to learn on.
View on AmazonI also recommend the sets from Mahjongg Maven.
03 · Racks
Racks that fit your tiles.
- LengthAt least 18″. If you’re using 1.5″ tiles, you need 20″ racks.
- PushersPlastic racks with attached pushers are the default. I prefer wooden racks with magnetic pushers.
My recommendations
Plastic racks
The standard choice, with attached pushers. Fits 1.2″ tiles.
View on AmazonWooden racks
My personal preference, with magnetic pushers. Long enough for chunky 1.5″ tiles.
View on Amazon04 · Mats
Pick one you love.
A mat keeps the tiles quieter on the table and lets them slide around easily when you’re washing (shuffling) them. Beyond that, I don’t recommend a specific mat. That one really comes down to personal preference and aesthetic.
05 · Checklist
Your shopping checklist.
- This year’s NMJL card, large size, bought directly from the League (one for every player)
- Mah Jongg Made Easy, the League’s official instruction book
- 152 tiles (8 jokers, 8 flowers) with traditional faces, ideally with extra jokers and blanks
- 1.2″ tiles for standard play; 1.5″ for rack-free play
- Racks at least 18″; 20″ for 1.5″ tiles
- A mat in whatever style you like
Not sure about a set?
Send me a link to the one you’re considering and I’ll tell you whether it’ll work for NMJL play.