If you’re new to Mahjong, this is the version you should start with.
American Mahjong is structured, social, and built around the official NMJL card — which makes it far easier to learn than most people think.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✔ The tiles
✔ How the NMJL card works
✔ The Charleston
✔ Joker rules
✔ How to win
✔ Where to practice safely online
🎯 Want to Learn by Playing Instead of Memorizing?
Many beginners understand American Mahjong faster by playing real hands.
👉 Practice American Mahjong Online (Free Trial Available)
No credit card required to start the free trial.
What Makes American Mahjong Different?
Unlike Chinese or Riichi Mahjong, American Mahjong:
• Uses Jokers
• Uses an official yearly NMJL card
• Requires matching hands from that card
• Includes the Charleston pre-game exchange
If you’re curious about other versions later, see:
• Chinese Mahjong Rules
• Hong Kong Mahjong Rules
• Japanese Riichi Mahjong Rules
But for now — stay focused here.
The Tiles (152 Total)
American Mahjong uses:
• Dots (1–9)
• Bams (Bamboo 1–9)
• Craks (Characters 1–9)
• Winds (E, S, W, N)
• Dragons (Red, Green, White)
• 8 Jokers
• 8 Flowers
You must use a proper American Mahjong set that includes Jokers.
👉 See recommended beginner-friendly sets here:
Best American Mahjong Sets
The NMJL Card (The Most Important Rule)
This is where American Mahjong becomes beginner-friendly.
Instead of building any legal hand, you must complete one of the hands listed on the official National Mahjongg League card.
Each year, the card updates.
It contains:
• 50–60 possible hands
• Organized by categories (13579, Consecutive Runs, Quints, etc.)
• Point values for each hand
Think of it as your roadmap.
Without the card, you cannot play.
👉 Full breakdown here:
How the NMJL Card Works
💡 Overwhelmed by the NMJL Card?
That’s normal.
Most beginners struggle trying to memorize it.
That’s why many players start online first.
Platforms like I Love Mahj:
• Apply the current NMJL card automatically
• Prevent illegal hands
• Enforce Joker rules
• Show you valid options as you play
👉 Practice on I Love Mahj (Free Trial)
Learning by playing is 10x faster than memorizing.
The Charleston (Unique to American Mahjong)
Before gameplay begins, players complete the Charleston.
It’s a structured tile-passing phase:
- Pass 3 tiles right
- Pass 3 tiles left
- Pass 3 tiles across
- Optional blind passes
The Charleston allows you to:
• Shape your hand early
• Adjust strategy
• Read opponents
Do not treat it casually — it’s strategic.
👉 Full guide here:
The Charleston Explained Step-by-Step
Joker Rules (Critical for Beginners)
Jokers are powerful — but limited.
✔ Can replace any tile in a pung, kong, or quint
❌ Cannot be used in singles or pairs
✔ Can be swapped if you hold the natural tile
Joker management is one of the biggest skill gaps between beginners and experienced players.
Online platforms enforce Joker rules automatically — which prevents costly mistakes.
👉 Full guide here:
Understanding Joker in Mahjong
How to Win in American Mahjong
You win when:
✔ Your tiles match one exact hand on the NMJL card
✔ All Joker rules are respected
✔ You declare “Mahjong” legally
You can win:
• By self-draw
• By claiming a discard
Scoring is simple — use the card’s printed values.
👉 American Mahjong Scoring Explained
Beginner Learning Order (Important)
If you’re feeling lost, follow this exact path:
1️⃣ Read this page fully
2️⃣ Study the NMJL card guide
3️⃣ Learn the Charleston
4️⃣ Review winning hand examples
5️⃣ Practice 5–10 online games
Winning hand examples here:
👉 Mahjong Winning Hands Explained
Printable quick reference:
👉 Mahjong Cheat Sheet (Printable)
🚀 Fastest Way to Get Comfortable
If you’re serious about learning American Mahjong:
Play 5 online games before playing in person.
It eliminates:
• Card confusion
• Joker mistakes
• Charleston hesitation
• Illegal hand declarations
👉 Start Practicing on I Love Mahj (Free Trial)
No credit card required to start the free trial.
FAQ
Can I really learn without a live group?
Yes — online practice is often easier at first.
Do I need the NMJL card physically?
Yes for live games. Online platforms apply it automatically.
Is American Mahjong easier than other versions?
Yes — because the NMJL card gives structure.
Can I practice for free?
Yes. I Love Mahj offers a free trial.
Final Thoughts
American Mahjong feels overwhelming until you realize:
The NMJL card tells you what to build.
The Charleston helps shape your hand.
Jokers give flexibility.
Once you’ve played 5–10 hands, everything clicks.
And the fastest way to reach that point?
Practice.
👉 Start Playing American Mahjong Online
