Learn the Game
Zero-to-table guides: setup, the Charleston, reading a card, your first mahj.
American vs. Chinese vs. Riichi: Which Mahjong Is on Your Table?
Three games, one set of tiles. American, Chinese, and Japanese riichi mahjong compared on tiles, jokers, the card, the Charleston, and scoring, plus the ten-second tells (count the wall, look for jokers or red fives) for spotting which one you have wandered into.
Read the guide →
The Charleston, Explained: Every Pass in Order (and When to Go Blind)
The American mahjong Charleston, pass by pass: the mandatory first round of right-across-left, the optional ROLLOR second, the courtesy pass, and exactly when you are allowed to pass blind. Plus the strategy of what to give away and what to hoard.
How to Read an American Mah Jongg Card: Colors, Zeros, X vs C
The American mah jongg card only looks like a tax form. What the red, green, and blue printing really means (three suits, not three colors), why 0 is the soap, how concealed and exposed hands differ, and how to read a line start to finish.
Table favorites
The short list — see the full ranking on our best-gear page.
2 PCS Empty Mahjong Carrying Bags for Tiles Racks and Mat
$2,999.00
Check priceAmerican Mah Jongg for Beginners: Learn & Master the Game with Ease
$1,866.00
Check priceGUSTARIA American Mahjong Game Set
$6,281.00
Check price
A quick, honest note: some links on this page are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we may earn a commission when you buy through them — at no extra cost to you. It never changes the price you pay.
9 guides published
18 products vetted
697 reader price checks
Featured pieces
Original tile engravings, made to order.
