Mahjong bam tiles (bamboo): the bams suit explained
Bams show bamboo sticks, except the 1 bam, which is almost always a bird.
By Jerry Chen. Checked and updated November 1, 2026
- Also called
- Bams, bamboo, sticks
- How many
- 36: four each of 1 to 9
What they look like
The 2 to 9 bams show that many bamboo sticks. The 1 bam is usually drawn as a bird, often a sparrow or peacock, but it plays exactly like any other 1 bam.
Designer sets sometimes replace the bird with their own picture. The corner number is the safest way to read it.
How they are used
Bams are one of the three suits and can fill any color on the card.
The matching dragon for bams is the green dragon.
Common mistakes
- Not recognizing the bird as the 1 bam.
- Assuming green on the card means bams. It only marks one of the suits in that hand.
Rule questions
- What do the colors on the mahjong card mean?
- What does "opposite dragons" mean on the card?
- What happens if someone misnames a discard?
Common questions
Why is the 1 bam a bird?
Tradition. Many sets show a bird instead of a single stick. It is still the 1 bam.
Which dragon goes with bams?
The green dragon.
What does bam mean in mahjong?
Short for bamboo, one of the three suits.
Other tiles
Sources: Tom Sloper, American mah-jongg FAQ 19 (card colors, matching dragons); Wikipedia, American mahjong. Rules follow the National Mah Jongg League; house rules vary.