Let me start by saying that Mahjong is a lot more than just a pretty game. I was first drawn in by the colorful setups, sparkly tiles and themed cocktails taking over my social feeds. I was also determined to pick up something new at the start of the year, so I convinced a few friends to join me.
We ordered a Mahjong set, added all the fun accessories, and figured we’d be playing in no time. Then a seasoned player gave us a reality check: Mahjong isn’t exactly a learn-as-you-go kind of game. Turns out, there’s a bit more to it than we expected—but that’s part of the appeal. Here’s what to know before you dive in.
What is Mahjong? (And why is it trending?)
Mahjong is a four-player, tile-based game that originated in Qing Dynasty China. It made its U.S. debut in 1920 and quickly became a popular pastime. In 1937, a group of women formed the National Maj Jongg League. Their goal was to standardize the game we now know as American Mahjong so that all players would abide by the same rules and play the same hands. Today, the National Maj Jongg League continues to be the arbitrator of all things American Mahjong. To keep things interesting, the League releases a new playing card with official standard hands and rules each year.
And it is indeed interesting! So much so that the game is seeing a major revival among younger generations. “Mahjong is having a real moment, and it makes sense. People are craving more face-to-face, screen-free ways to spend time together, especially ones that feel a little more intentional than just grabbing a drink,” says Megan Trottier, Founder and CEO of Oh My Mahjong. “Mahjong naturally lends itself to that. It’s tactile, communal, and has a built-in sense of ritual, which makes it feel like a whole experience rather than just a game!”
So why couldn’t we teach ourselves to play? In short, there are rules. Lots and lots of rules which can be tricky to memorize and master. “You can read the rules but putting them into play, learning the suits and what goes together, plus the smaller rules and etiquette—it’s a lot,” says veteran Mahjong player Bernice Beitman. “It’s helpful to have a teacher.” Bernice, who has been playing Mahjong for over 30 years, plays twice each week and has served as my group’s teacher for the past several months. Once you learn the rules, you can start to develop your own strategy.
According to Bernice, patience and good sportsmanship are crucial. “You have to have a lot of patience. Especially if you have a new player or a new card,” she explains. And while games can get competitive, that’s part of what makes Mahjong so fun.
What do you need to get started?
There are tons of Mahjong products on the market. Here’s what you need in order to play:
- National Mah Jongg League playing card: Every player needs an official card which is good for an entire year. New cards are released every April and cost $14 for a standard card and $15 for a large print card. I play with a large print card and it’s worth the extra $1. Cards can be purchased on the League’s website.
- American Mahjong tiles: There are several versions of the game, each with its own set of rules and tile counts. American Mahjong uses 152 tiles. Tiles are categorized into three suits, numbered one through nine:
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- Dots: Represented by circles
- Bamboo (or Bams): Represented by bamboo shoots with the number one often being depicted as a bird
- Craks (or characters): Features Chinese characters
- In addition to the suits, there are Winds, Dragons, Flowers and Jokers
Mahjong sets vary in price. You can scoop up a budget-friendly set for around $100 or invest in a high quality set for a few hundred dollars. We’ve even seen designer sets priced at more than $15,000. In short, you can expect to spend a pretty penny on a good Mahjong set.
“Mahjong sets are inherently more complex than your average board game. You’re not just buying a box or a deck, you’re investing in a full set of weighted tiles, often made from materials like acrylic or resin, plus racks, dice, a case, mats, and more,” explains Trottier. “The craftsmanship, materials, and sheer number of components all contribute to the price point. But all of those pieces also make it feel like a beautiful, lasting investment, something you’ll bring out and use for years to come.”
Top Mahjong Picks
Oh My Mahjong Gemma Tiles
Purple is my favorite color, which is why I selected this stunning set from Oh My Mahjong. Yes, it’s an investment, but the acrylic tiles aren’t just pretty. They’re incredibly well made and I have no doubt they’ll stand the test of time.
Lilac Rack and Pusher Set
According to Beitman, racks and pushers are a must. While there are some who opt to play without them, I’m glad I ordered this rack and pusher set to match my tiles. It keeps all of my tiles neat and organized during setup and play.
Oh My Mahjong Amethyst Mat
Okay, you don’t technically need a gorgeous Mahjong mat to match your tiles, but there’s plenty to love about this one. It’s made of smooth neoprene so your tiles can be moved effortlessly and quietly. And, as a relatively new player, I find the printed reminders about Jokers, Dragons and the Charleston to be especially helpful.
Mark & Graham Mini American Mahjong Set
Mahj on the go with this travel set from Mark & Graham. It includes 166 tiles, two dice, four mini racks and one tile bag that can be personalized for an additional fee.
Mini Mahjer Family Learn to Play Mahjong Set
Designed with the youngest Mahjong players in mind, this Mini Majer beginner set will walk the whole family through the basics. It includes 160 lightweight tiles, one neoprene game mat, four acrylic racks, four “Mini Mahjer” cards, one storage bag and one magnetic storage box.
American Mahjong Game Set
If you want to try your hand at Mahjong without breaking the bank, then this affordable Mahjong set is for you. It comes with everything you need to play neatly packaged in a fabric carrying case.
Spools Floating Mahjong Tile Set
A Mahjong pool party? Count us in! These lightweight tiles are splash resistant and designed to float. Just be sure to rinse them off in fresh water and let them air dry completely after use.
Weezie Signature Toiletry Bag
Don’t have a fancy storage bag or box for your tiles? “Makeup bags are perfect for keeping tiles,” says Beitman. We love Weezie’s Mahjong toiletry bag. It’s perfect for toting your tiles and makes a great gift for your Mahjong loving bestie.
Mahjong Coasters
Whether you’re hosting or looking for the perfect hostess gift, look no further than these Mahjong coasters. Each coaster features a different foundational element of the game as well as visual breakdowns of tiles and the Charleston for easy reference.
Lucky Mahjong Socks
We’re not saying these lucky Mahjong socks will help you win a hand or two, but we’re not not saying that either. Either way, donning a pair to your next game certainly wouldn’t hurt.
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