Mahjong dot tiles (circles): the dots suit explained
Dots are the easiest suit to read: the number of circles is the number of the tile.
By Jerry Chen. Checked and updated November 1, 2026
- Also called
- Dots, circles, balls
- How many
- 36: four each of 1 to 9
What they look like
Each dot tile shows that many circles, from one large circle on the 1 dot to nine on the 9 dot. Many American sets also print the number in a corner.
The 1 dot is often a big, decorated circle.
How they are used
Dots are one of the three suits. On the card, the colors of a hand tell you how many suits to use, not which ones, so dots can fill any color.
The matching dragon for dots is the white dragon (soap).
Common mistakes
- Assuming a blue or green group on the card has to be dots. Colors only say how many suits a hand uses.
- Pairing dots with the red or green dragon in a hand that calls for matching dragons.
Rule questions
- What do the colors on the mahjong card mean?
- What does "opposite dragons" mean on the card?
- Can you use the white dragon as zero in a consecutive run?
Common questions
What are the circle tiles in mahjong called?
Dots. They are also called circles or balls.
Which dragon goes with dots?
The white dragon, called soap.
How many dot tiles are in a set?
Thirty-six: four of each number from 1 to 9.
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.