How to Play Mahjong — Rules, Guides & Strategy
Whether you’re learning how to play mahjong for the first time or deepening your understanding of strategy and scoring, our information library covers it all. From American mah jongg rules and NMJL card guides to buying advice and game history, every article is written to be accessible whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned player brushing up on a new format.
Use the filters below to browse by category, audience level, and game format. New to the game? Start with our beginner guides and rules overviews. Ready to improve? Our strategy and tips articles cover everything from reading the table to managing your hand efficiently. Thinking about buying your first set? Our buying guides walk you through what to look for at every price point.
Once you’ve got the basics down, find your community — browse Places to Play to find a club near you, or check our Events page for upcoming tournaments and mahjongg classes in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions — How to Play Mahjong
How do you play American mahjong?
American mahjong is a four-player tile game where players draw and discard tiles to build a complete hand matching one of the hands listed on the annual National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card. Each player starts with 13 tiles and draws one per turn, discarding one until a player completes a 14-tile winning hand and calls "Mahjong." The Mahjong Guild info section includes beginner guides covering the rules, tile types, the Charleston, and strategy for new players.
What is the difference between American mahjong and Chinese mahjong?
American mahjong uses joker tiles and an annual NMJL card that defines legal winning hands which change each year, while Chinese mahjong does not use jokers and relies on traditional scoring patterns that remain consistent. American mahjong is the dominant form played in the US — particularly among social clubs, Jewish communities, and senior centers — while Chinese variants are more common in communities with strong ties to China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Japan.
What is the NMJL card and where can I get one?
The NMJL card is the annual playing card published by the National Mah Jongg League that lists the legal winning hands for American mahjong for that year. A new card is released each spring and must be purchased to play in the current year. Cards can be ordered directly from the National Mah Jongg League website or purchased from many mahjong retailers listed in The Mahjong Guild directory.
How long does a game of mahjong take?
A single game of American mahjong typically takes between 20 and 45 minutes depending on the number of players, their experience level, and how quickly hands develop. Most social groups play multiple games per session, with a full evening of mahjong lasting two to three hours. Competitive tournament games may have set time limits per hand.
Is mahjong hard to learn?
Mahjong has a moderate learning curve — the basic rules can be understood in one or two sessions, but mastering strategy, hand recognition, and the Charleston takes regular play over several weeks. Most players find that sitting down with experienced players and an NMJL card is the fastest way to learn. The Mahjong Guild info section includes beginner guides, rule summaries, and strategy articles designed specifically for new players at every stage of learning.