Mahjong might seem like a single game, but it’s actually a family of related games – each with its own rules, pace, and personality. If you’re new to the world of tiles, you might be wondering: What’s the difference between American, Chinese, and Riichi Mahjong — and which one should you start with?
I’m Connor, and I’ve played all three. Some nights I’m knee-deep in Riichi tournaments, sweating over discards. Other times, I’m sipping coffee at an American Mahjong meetup trying to decode the NMJL card. Every version has its flavor – and in this guide, I’ll break it down for you.
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Quick Overview: Core Mahjong Concepts
Before we dive into the rule differences, here’s what all versions of mahjong have in common:
- The goal: Build a complete winning hand
- Drawing and discarding tiles on your turn
- Winning combinations include pungs (three of a kind), chows (sequences), kongs (four of a kind), and pairs
- Strategy includes reading opponents, maximizing points, and defending
Now let’s look at how each version spins that core idea into its own game.
American Mahjong Rules
Key Features:
- 152 tiles, including Jokers and bonus tiles
- Uses the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card, which changes annually
- Hands must match one of the listed patterns on the card
- Allows calling for discarded tiles
- Uses racks and is commonly played with 4 players
- Charleston phase: a pre-game exchange of tiles
You can read our complete step-by-step guide here: American Mahjong Rules Explained
Scoring:
- Each hand on the NMJL card has a point value
- Jokers can substitute for any tile except singles and pairs
Strategy Notes:
- Planning is built around the card’s patterns
- Joker management is crucial
- Knowing which hands are viable early is key
Connor’s Take:
“American Mahjong is like sudoku meets poker. It’s social, structured, and surprisingly cutthroat – especially when the Jokers come out.”
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Chinese Mahjong Rules
Key Features:
- Typically 144 tiles (some variants use fewer or more)
- No Jokers; hands must follow classic meld structures
- More flexible hand construction than American
- Discard calls allowed (pong, chow, kong)
- Flower tiles may be included and give bonus points
Scoring:
- Points are awarded for various hand types and combinations
- Regional scoring differences are common (Hong Kong, Cantonese, etc.)
Strategy Notes:
- Fast-paced with emphasis on efficient discarding
- Defensive play is more common
- Scoring can be complex depending on the version
Compared to American Mahjong, this version is faster and more flexible — no jokers, no yearly card, and more freedom in building hands.
Connor’s Take:
“Playing Chinese Mahjong in a Hong Kong café was the most intense game I’ve had. Everyone’s silent, fast, and deadly accurate. No bluffing – just pure skill.”
Japanese Riichi Mahjong Rules
Key Features:
- 136 tiles, no Flowers or Jokers
- Focuses on concealed hands and calling “Riichi” when one tile away from winning
- Uses Dora indicators for bonus points
- Has strict rules like Furiten, which penalizes careless discard strategy
- Deep scoring system with Yaku combinations
Scoring:
- Points awarded based on hand structure, Dora bonuses, and Riichi declarations
- Very detailed and math-heavy compared to other variants
Strategy Notes:
- Playing concealed is often necessary
- Requires knowledge of Yaku to score
- Defense and risk assessment are vital
Connor’s Take:
“Riichi Mahjong is pure adrenaline and psychology. You’re always one tile from victory – or disaster.”
Riichi Mahjong is thrilling but has a steep learning curve. If you’re just starting and prefer a guided, structured format, American Mahjong on I Love Mahj is the easiest way to begin.
Tile Differences by Version
| Tile Type | American | Chinese | Riichi |
| Dots, Bamboo, Characters | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Winds & Dragons | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Jokers | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Flowers/Seasons | ✅ | ✅ (varies) | ❌ |
| Dora Indicator | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Bonus Tiles | ✅ | Sometimes | ❌ |
As you can see, American Mahjong stands apart with its inclusion of Jokers and bonus tiles, which add creativity and strategy.
Game Flow Comparison
| Phase | American | Chinese | Riichi |
| Setup | Charleston trade | Build wall | Build wall |
| Drawing & Discarding | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Calling Discards | Limited to certain hands | ✅ | ✅ (limited by Furiten) |
| Declaring Win | Must match NMJL card | Flexible patterns | Must satisfy Yaku |
| Scoring Complexity | Medium | Medium to High | High |
The Charleston trade and NMJL card system give American Mahjong a unique structure that makes it both social and strategic.
Which Version Should You Start With?
- Total beginner? Start with American Mahjong – it’s the most structured, social, and beginner-friendly version thanks to the NMJL card and community play.
- Prefer faster, open gameplay? Chinese Mahjong is great for that.
- Love patterns and structure? American Mahjong and the NMJL card might be your vibe.
- Competitive and strategic? Riichi will challenge your brain and test your nerve.
Connor’s Advice:
“Don’t worry about picking the ‘right’ version. Just start somewhere. You’ll eventually fall in love with the mechanics that match your personality.”
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Common Questions (FAQ)
What is the easiest version of Mahjong to learn?
Chinese Mahjong is typically the easiest to learn due to its simplicity and intuitive scoring. American Mahjong has more structure, and Riichi is the most complex.
Where can I play American Mahjong online?
You can play authentic American Mahjong online at I Love Mahj, which follows the official NMJL card and offers a free 2-week trial with no credit card required.
Can you play one version using a different set?
Sort of. You can adapt sets (e.g., ignore Jokers for Chinese), but scoring and rules won’t align perfectly. It’s best to get the right tile set if you plan to stick with a version.
Why does American Mahjong have a card?
The NMJL card ensures that every player is working from the same list of valid hands. It updates annually to keep the game fresh.
Is Riichi Mahjong the same as Chinese Mahjong?
No. Riichi is Japanese-style mahjong with different scoring, hand requirements, and advanced rules like Riichi and Furiten.
Which Mahjong version is most common globally?
Chinese Mahjong is the most widespread. Riichi is popular in Japan and among online tournament players. American Mahjong is mostly played in North America.
Final Thoughts
Mahjong isn’t just a game – it’s a universe. American, Chinese, and Riichi are just different paths through that world. Each teaches something different: timing, calculation, pattern recognition, patience.
Connor’s Last Word:
“Every version of Mahjong sharpened me in different ways. American Mahjong taught me discipline. Chinese Mahjong taught me tempo. Riichi taught me humility. Try all three – you’ll come out a better player and thinker.”
Whether you’re mastering Charleston trades or calculating Yaku bonuses, Mahjong has something for everyone.
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