Learn American mahjong
Start with how to play and the tiles, then the Charleston. Most people learn faster at a table, so pair these with a beginner class if you can.
Start here
Rules
- The complete rulesEvery rule in game order, plus the "can you…?" questions.
- Rule questions, answeredOne question per page, with the source: jokers, calling, dead hands and more.
- 10 beginner mistakesThe errors everyone makes in their first weeks, and the rule behind each.
- The Charleston, step by stepPass order, blind passes, the second Charleston and the courtesy pass.
- Joker rulesWhere jokers can and cannot go, and how to swap one out of an exposure.
- Scoring and paymentWho pays what, worked examples and a calculator.
- Table etiquetteNaming discards, calling, joker exchanges and tournament manners.
- Strategy for beginnersPicking a hand, Charleston choices, exposures, jokers and defense.
- Setting up and dealingWalls, rolling for East, breaking the wall and the deal.
Tile by tile
- DotsThe circles suit, and its matching dragon.
- BamsBamboo sticks, and why the 1 bam is a bird.
- CraksReading the Chinese numerals one to nine.
- WindsNorth, east, west, south, and NEWS.
- DragonsRed, green and soap, matching and opposite.
- FlowersWhy there are 8, and how jokers work with them.
- BlanksSpares, missing white dragons and wild-tile house rules.
The card
Other ways to play
Background
- American vs Chinese mahjongThe real differences in play, tiles and scoring.
- American vs Chinese setsHow to tell them apart before you buy.
- History of American mahjongFrom the 1920s craze to the National Mah Jongg League.
- Who runs American mahjongThe League, tournament organizers, card publishers and rules experts.
- Identify a vintage setDate it by flowers and jokers, and tell Bakelite from Catalin.
- How many tiles in a set?152, 160 or 166, and what the extras are for.
- GlossaryBam, crak, soap, pung, kong, quint and the rest.
Learning questions
Is American mahjong hard to learn?
The basics take one or two sessions. Most people can play a slow but complete game after a two-hour beginner class. Getting comfortable with the card takes a few weeks of regular play.
How long does it take to learn mahjong?
Expect a few hours to learn how a game works and a month or two of weekly games to feel confident. Many teachers run beginner series of three or four sessions.
Can you teach yourself American mahjong?
Yes, with guides, videos and an app that plays with bots. A teacher or experienced group speeds things up a lot, especially for the Charleston and reading the card.
What do I need to start?
Someone else's set is fine at first. You will want your own current card early on. Buy a set once you know you enjoy the game.