How to play American mahjong: a beginner's guide
How to play American mahjong, step by step: the tiles, the yearly card, the Charleston, how a turn goes and how to win. A clear guide for beginners.
New to mahjong?
Learn mahjong without the fear of looking silly
Short steps, plain words and honest advice for people learning mahjong. American mahjong is at the center, with clear paths to Hong Kong, Chinese and Riichi.
Pick your path
How to play
Start here to learn mahjong. Step-by-step guides to the tiles, the turn order, the Charleston and how to win, written in plain English.
American mahjong
American mahjong for beginners: the 152-tile set, the yearly card, jokers and the Charleston, explained step by step in our own words.
Chinese and Hong Kong mahjong
Chinese and Hong Kong mahjong for beginners: a 136-tile set, no card, no jokers, and one of the easiest ways into the game.
Riichi mahjong
Riichi mahjong for beginners: the Japanese style with a 136-tile set, red fives and a declared ready hand, explained in plain English.
Gear
Mahjong gear for beginners: what is in a tile set, how to check you have the right one, and honest buying advice.
Etiquette
Mahjong etiquette for beginners: the unwritten table manners that make new players feel welcome and keep games friendly.
Where to play
Where to play mahjong: how to find a beginner-friendly group, class or club near you, and what to ask before your first game.
Your first game in four steps
Choose a version
Most US groups play American mahjong. If your friends play another style, learn that one. This comparison helps.
Learn the tiles
Suits, winds, dragons, flowers and jokers. The tiles guide covers them all.
Learn how a turn works
Draw, discard, claim and win. The how-to-play guide walks through it in order.
Play with people
The fastest way to learn is at a real table. Our where-to-play section will help you find a beginner-friendly group.
Latest guides
American vs Chinese vs Riichi mahjong: which should you learn?
American vs Chinese mahjong, plus Riichi: compare tiles, jokers, scoring and learning curve, and find the version that suits you.
American mahjong tiles explained: all 152 tiles
All 152 American mahjong tiles explained: the three suits, winds, dragons, flowers and jokers, plus how 144- and 136-tile sets differ.
The mahjong Charleston explained, step by step
Mahjong Charleston rules for beginners: the order of passes, what you can't pass, the blind pass, the second Charleston and the courtesy pass, with simple tips.
How this guide works
We explain the game in our own words. We never reproduce the National Mah Jongg League's yearly card, and we point you to the League's own materials for official rulings. When tables disagree, we say so. More about us.