Mahjong accessories: what you need and what is optional
Mahjong accessories are a whole hobby of their own. Here is what you actually need for American mahjong, what is nice to have, and what to check before buying.
Checked and updated October 31, 2026
The checklist
| Item | Need it? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Racks with pushers | Essential | One per player, long enough for your tiles. |
| The yearly card | Essential | One per player; standard or large print. |
| Dice | Essential | Two, to choose East and break the wall. Usually included. |
| Mat | Nice to have | Quieter play, tiles that stay put, a protected table. |
| Card holder or cover | Nice to have | Keeps your card upright and flat. Match it to your card size. |
| Bag or case | Nice to have | Most sets include one; look for padded tile pouches if you travel. |
| Rack bag | Nice to have | Keeps four racks together; sold by length. |
| Coins, chips or score pad | Optional | For paying out hands without cash. |
| Joker stickers and blanks | Only if needed | To make extra jokers for a short or vintage set. |
| Wind indicator | Optional | Shows who is East. Often included in sets. |
Mats
- Pick a mat large enough for four walls and four racks. Measure your table first.
- Thicker, felt-like mats are quieter; smooth mats make tiles slide more easily.
- Mats with rules printed on them can help beginners, but check that the rules are American (NMJL-style) rather than Chinese.
Card holders and covers
- The League's standard and large cards are different sizes, so buy the matching holder.
- A clear cover protects the card from spills and bending over a year of games.
Do not overspend before you play
Many starter sets already include racks, dice, a bag, coins and a wind indicator. Check what your set includes first: compare sets. Then add a card for each player, and decide on extras once you know how and where you like to play.
Common questions
What accessories do you need for American mahjong?
The essentials are a complete American set, four racks with pushers, two dice and a current card for each player. A mat, card holders and a carrying bag are nice extras.
Do I need a mahjong mat?
No, but it helps. A mat muffles the clatter of tiles, stops them sliding and protects the table. Some mats print rules or a reminder chart on them.
What is a mahjong card holder?
A stand or folio that holds your card upright so you can read it without picking it up. Check that it fits your card size; the standard and large cards differ.
What do mahjong coins or chips do?
They are for keeping score or paying out hands without cash. Many starter sets include them.
What are joker stickers?
Stickers that turn a blank tile into a joker. Useful if your set is short of jokers, or for vintage sets that came without them.