The Mahjong Table

Three women playing American mahjong with the fourth seat open
Can You Play American Mahjong With Three Players?
Yes, three people can play American mahjong. These simple wall, deal, Charleston, and seat adjustments keep the game moving. Read more...
American mahjong tiles beside a handwritten score sheet
How to Score American Mahjong: A Simple Guide
Learn how the card value, winning tile, and Jokerless bonus determine the score of an American mahjong hand. Read more...
Woman opening a wrapped mahjong gift beside holiday greenery
How to Choose an American Mahjong Set as a Gift
Choose an American mahjong set that is playable, readable, complete, and suited to the way your recipient actually enjoys the game. Read more...
Sky Blue mahjong rack holding American mahjong tiles beside a built wall
What Is a Mahjong Pusher and Do You Need One?
Learn what mahjong racks and pushers do, whether you need them, and what to look for when choosing a set for American mahjong. Read more...
Instructor checks an exposed group during an American mahjong lesson
When Is a Hand Dead in American Mahjong?
Learn the exact mistakes that make an American mahjong hand dead, who may challenge it, and what happens after the call. Read more...
Beach Set Joker shown with three matching 2 Dot tiles
American Mahjong Joker Rules: When You Can and Cannot Use Them
Learn where Jokers are allowed, why singles and pairs are different, and how to exchange an exposed Joker correctly. Read more...
Four players passing tiles during the American mahjong Charleston
How Does the Charleston Work in American Mahjong?
Learn the exact American mahjong Charleston order, when the second round is optional, and how blind and courtesy passes work. Read more...
Woman packing a mahjong tile pouch in a carry on suitcase
Can You Bring a Mahjong Set on a Plane?
Yes, you can generally fly with a standard mahjong set. Here is how to pack the tiles for a smoother airport screening. Read more...
Woman using a tablet to play American mahjong online
How to Play American Mahjong Online With Friends
Learn how to find a real American mahjong platform with the current card, private rooms, bots, and the rules your group expects. Read more...
American mahjong tournament room prepared with assigned tables
American Mahjong Tournament Rules: What First Time Players Should Know
American mahjong tournaments add timed rounds, scoring, assigned tables, and stricter procedures. Here is what first time players should expect. Read more...
Inherited mahjong set being checked for American play
Can You Play American Mahjong With a Chinese Set?
A Chinese mahjong set can sometimes be adapted for American play. Use this checklist to see whether you have the required Jokers, Flowers, card, racks, and dice. Read more...
American mahjong table prepared for four guests
How to Host a Mahjong Night
A practical guide to hosting an American mahjong night, from the table and equipment to lighting, food, and helping new players feel comfortable. Read more...
American mahjong tiles arranged in rows for an inventory check
How Many Tiles Are in an American Mahjong Set?
American mahjong uses 152 tiles, but many sets contain 160 or more. Learn what belongs in the game and what the extra Jokers and blanks are for. Read more...
Beginner checking a complete American mahjong setup with tiles, racks, pushers and dice
Mahjong for Beginners: Your First American Mahjong Set
A clear American mahjong starter checklist for choosing tiles, racks, pushers, a card, and the accessories you actually need. Read more...
Full size Beach Set mahjong tiles arranged beside shells and water
Why Travel Mahjong Sets Are Becoming So Popular
Travel mahjong is growing with the game itself. See why miniature tiles can compromise play and how full size lightweight tiles offer another option. Read more...
Women playing mahjong together at a garden club gathering
Why Everyone Is Starting a Mahjong Club
See why mahjong clubs are growing and how one invitation can turn four friends, a set of tiles, and one evening into a weekly tradition. Read more...
Floating Mahjong Tiles
Mahjong Is Moving Into the Pool This Summer
Pool mahjong brings the game everyone loves into the place everyone wants to gather this summer, with rigid full size tiles designed to float. Read more...
Tile pouch weighing 1.6 pounds on a luggage scale
Best American Mahjong Travel Set for 2026
Compare American mahjong travel sets by tile size, carrying weight, completeness, feel, and included accessories before choosing the right set. Read more...