If you want to play American Mahjong in person, you need the right equipment.
Not all mahjong sets are the same — and many sets sold online are designed for Chinese or Riichi Mahjong, not American rules.
This guide explains exactly what you need for American Mahjong and highlights reliable set options that work for NMJL-style play.
What Makes an American Mahjong Set Different?
An American Mahjong set must include:
- 152 tiles (not 144)
- 8 jokers
- Standard American suits (Dots, Bams, Craks)
- Winds, dragons, flowers, and seasons
Most non-American sets do not include jokers, which makes them unusable for NMJL hands.
If you’re unsure why jokers matter so much, see our full guide on jokers in American Mahjong.
Do You Need an NMJL Card?
Yes — if you’re playing official American Mahjong.
The NMJL card defines:
- Legal hands for the year
- Scoring patterns
- Required tile combinations
Many players buy the physical NMJL card so they can reference it easily during live games.
If you’re new to reading the card, this guide helps:
👉 How to Read the NMJL Card (step by step)
What to Look for When Buying an American Mahjong Set
Before choosing a set, make sure it has:
- Clearly marked jokers
- Easy-to-read tile faces
- Durable tiles (especially for frequent play)
- A size and weight you’re comfortable handling
Accessories like racks and pushers are optional — many beginners start without them.
Recommended American Mahjong Set Options
Below are solid American Mahjong–compatible sets commonly used for home play:
- Full 152-tile sets with jokers
- Compatible with NMJL rules
- Suitable for casual and regular games
👉 View recommended American Mahjong sets on Amazon
(Amazon affiliate disclosure applies — see footer for details.)
Online vs In-Person Play
If you’re just learning, many players start online before buying a physical set.
Platforms like I Love Mahj let you:
- Practice NMJL-style hands
- Learn scoring automatically
- Play without buying equipment upfront
Once you’re comfortable, transitioning to a physical set becomes much easier.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need an expensive or deluxe set to enjoy American Mahjong —
but you do need the right tiles.
A proper American Mahjong set with jokers and an NMJL card ensures:
- Legal hands
- Fair play
- A smoother learning experience
If you’re ready to play in person, this is the best place to start.
