Buyer's guide

Buying an American mahjong set

Lots of beautiful sets are for sale, and some won't work for American mahjong at all. Here's what to check so you buy once and buy right.

The one thing to get right: it must be American

Mahjong is played in many styles around the world, and the sets differ. American mahjong needs 152 tiles, including 8 jokers. Chinese, Hong Kong and Japanese sets don't include jokers, and they often have fewer tiles. You can't play American hands without jokers, so a set without them isn't a bargain however lovely it looks.

When you read a listing, look for the words "American mahjong" and check the tile count and jokers. If a listing says 136 or 144 tiles, or doesn't mention jokers, it isn't an American set. For more on how the styles differ, see American vs Chinese mahjong.

What's in a complete set

• 108 suit tiles: Bams, Craks and Dots, numbered 1 to 9, four of each.
• 16 Winds: North, East, West and South, four of each.
• 12 Dragons: Red, Green and White (Soap), four of each.
• 8 Flowers. These may show different pictures, but in American mahjong they're all treated the same.
• 8 Jokers.
• 4 racks, usually with pushers.
• 2 dice, and often a wind indicator or scoring chips or coins.
• A case to keep it all together.

Some sets come with a few spare or blank tiles. These are handy if a tile goes missing. The card is not part of the set. You buy that separately from the National Mah Jongg League each year. See every tile in detail on the tile guide.

Racks and pushers

Racks hold your tiles upright so only you can see them. A rack with a pusher has a long arm attached that you use to push your section of the wall toward the centre of the table. It sounds minor, but it makes the game smoother, especially for players with less reach.

Look for:

• Racks that are long enough to hold your tiles plus exposures on top.
• Pushers that attach firmly and swing easily.
• Racks that match the tile size. Very thick tiles may not sit well on narrow racks.

Racks are often sold separately as well, if you find a set you love that comes without them.

Tile size and weight

Tiles vary in size, thickness and weight from set to set. There's no single right answer, but a few things are worth thinking about:

• Readability. Larger tiles with bold, clear markings are easier to read across a table. Some sets add small numbers or letters in the corner of each tile. Those can be a big help for beginners and anyone whose eyesight isn't what it was.
• Feel. Heavier tiles feel solid and make that satisfying click. Very light tiles can feel cheap and slide around.
• Carrying. A full set of heavy tiles in a hard case can be a lot to carry. If you'll be taking your set to other people's homes, think about weight.

If you can, handle a few sets in person before you buy, or ask friends to let you try theirs.

Materials

Most new American sets are made from a hard plastic, such as melamine or acrylic. These are durable, easy to clean and come in many colours and designs.

Older and vintage sets may be made from other materials, including Bakelite and other early plastics. Vintage sets can be beautiful and collectable, but check them carefully. Many older sets have fewer jokers than modern play needs, or none at all, and some have been made up with joker stickers. Count every tile before buying.

Tile designs and colours

Modern sets come in a huge range of designs, from traditional engravings to bright, playful artwork. Just make sure the designs are still easy to tell apart. Some decorative sets make similar tiles hard to distinguish at a glance, which slows play and causes mistakes.

Before buying, check that:

• The three suits are clearly different from one another.
• The Dragons are clearly marked, and Soap is easy to recognise.
• The jokers stand out.

Once your set arrives, practise naming the tiles with the tile quiz. It uses standard tile designs, which will help you recognise most sets.

The case

Cases range from soft zip bags to hard cases with trays and handles. A good case keeps tiles from rubbing and chipping and keeps all the pieces together. Look for:

• Sturdy handles and latches or zips.
• Separate compartments for tiles, racks, dice and chips.
• A size and weight you're happy to carry if you'll travel with it.

Budget, in general terms

Prices change often, so we won't quote numbers. Broadly, sets fall into three bands:

Whatever your budget, the essentials are the same: 152 tiles, 8 jokers, four racks and clear markings.

Before you buy: a quick checklist

• Does it say American mahjong?
• Are there 152 tiles, including 8 jokers and 8 flowers?
• Does it include four racks, ideally with pushers?
• Are the tiles easy to read and tell apart?
• Is the case sturdy and a weight you can manage?
• For a used or vintage set, have you counted every tile?

Where to buy

American mahjong sets are sold by specialist mahjong shops, general online retailers, and makers who design their own sets. Buying from a seller who specialises in American mahjong makes it more likely the set is complete and correct. Read the product description carefully and check the return policy.

Got your set? Learn how to play, then invite some friends with our guide to hosting a mahjong night.

Questions

Can I add jokers to a Chinese set?

Some people do, by putting joker stickers on spare or blank tiles. It works only if the set has enough spare tiles and the right number of everything else. It's usually simpler to buy an American set.

Do I need the wind indicator and chips?

No. They're nice to have. You can track who is East and keep score with coins or a notepad.

Is the card included with the set?

No. The card is published each year by the National Mah Jongg League and is bought separately. Our guide to reading the card explains how it's laid out.

Are the flowers supposed to look different from each other?

They often do, and that's fine. In American mahjong every flower counts as a flower, regardless of the picture.