Craks, Bams, and Dots: Your First Steps into American Mahjong

How to Play American Mahjong: A Beginner’s Guide

If you’ve ever admired a Mahjong set with its colorful tiles and wondered how to play, you’re not alone! American Mahjong (sometimes called Mah Jongg or Mah Jong) is a game rich in strategy, pattern recognition, and social fun. While it has roots in the ancient Chinese tile game, American Mahjong has its own twist with special rules, jokers, and an official scorecard.

Whether you’re new to the game or just curious, here’s a straightforward guide to get you started.

The Basics

American Mahjong is typically played with four players using a set of 152 tiles, including:

• Suits: Craks (characters), Bams (bamboo), Dots (circles), numbered 1–9.
• Honors: Winds (East, South, West, North) and Dragons (Red, Green, White).
• Flowers & Seasons: Special bonus tiles.
• Jokers: Wild tiles that can substitute for most required tiles.

This version features an annual rule card that outlines the specific winning hands accepted each year, issued by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL), which has been the official governing body in the US since 1937. (nationalmahjonggleague.org)

Objective

Your goal is to be the first to build a complete 14-tile hand that matches one of the combinations on the NMJL card (13 if you're the dealer). Once you match one, you declare Mah Jongg! and reveal your hand.

Setting Up

1. Build the Wall: Shuffle your tiles face down and build a two-high wall in front of each player.
2. Deal the Tiles: Each player gets 13 tiles—East (dealer) gets 14.
3. Charleston Exchange: A uniquely American Mahjong feature—in a nut shell, players pass three unwanted tiles back and forth before the first discard. This helps refine your hand early on.

Playing the Game

1. Draw & Discard: On your turn, draw one tile (from the wall or the discard pile), then discard one. Your hand remains at 13 tiles until you go out with Mahjong.
2. Calling Tiles: If another player discards a tile you need to complete a set, you may call it—but you must reveal your completed set for everyone to see.
3. Jokers: Use these wild tiles to complete most sets—except singular tiles or pairs.
4. Declaring Mahjong: When your hand matches a combination on the NMJL card, declare Mahjong and reveal your tiles.

Why People Love It

• Social & Fun: Filled with laughter, conversation, and friendly competition.
• Strategic & Fresh: The card changes annually, keeping things new and challenging.
• Elegant Equipment: From vintage bakelite sets to modern resin, the tiles are a delight to handle.
• Card Game Fans Rejoice: If you enjoy games like rummy or poker, you'll likely gravitate toward Mahjong—it’s all about patterns, memory, and clever strategy.

Practice Options

• Real Life Play: Grab a Mahjong set and play in person.
• Online Practice: Perfect for solo practice or when you don’t have a group. A popular site to start with is www.realmahjongg.com
• Official Online Option: NMJL also offers a subscription-based online game through their official site. You can create an account and play directly at their platform. (nationalmahjonggleague.org)

Ordering the Official Card

• Where to Find It: Visit the National Mah Jongg League website to order the 2025 NMJL rule card. Standard size is $14; Large Print is $15. (nationalmahjonggleague.org).  (We sell them at Isadora Popper too as a convenience)
• Why Buy There?: Ordering from NMJL ensures you get the official, up-to-date card and also supports the organization and its charitable work. Avoid unauthorized retailers—counterfeit or outdated cards can spoil gameplay for your group. 

Tips for Beginners

• Keep the Card Handy: Don’t worry about memorizing all the hands—refer to the card as needed.
• Focus Your Strategy: Pick one or two patterns to aim for rather than juggling too many.
• Use the Charleston Wisely: Let it guide your tile selection early on.
• Stay Flexible: Use Jokers and adapt as the hand evolves.
• Patience Pays Off: Like any strategy game, Mahjong improves with practice and reflection.

Ready to Play?

American Mahjong is more than just a game—it’s a celebration of tradition, community, and tactical thinking. Whether you're a card game aficionado or just curious, it offers a rich, re-playable experience.

Next steps:

• Order your official NMJL card from the League’s site.
• Practice online via Real Mahjongg or NMJL’s platform.
• Grab friends (virtually or in person) and start playing!
• Or…join us and play at Isadora Popper!  (For days and times, please email dana@isadorapopper.com)