If you’ve ever seen a lively table of players laughing, swapping tiles, and shouting “Mahj!” with excitement, you’ve witnessed the magic of American Mahjong. This timeless game combines skill, strategy, and connection, and it’s easier to learn than you think!
At Mahj Styled, we bring a modern, design-forward twist to this classic game. Our goal? To help you learn the rules, love the play, and style your table with confidence. Whether you’re completely new or curious about joining a local group, this beginner’s guide will help you get started.
What Is American Mahjong?
American Mahjong is a four-player game that uses 152 beautifully designed tiles. Unlike the Chinese version, American Mahjong follows the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) rules and features a special annual card that outlines all possible winning hands.
It’s part puzzle, part strategy, and all fun!
The Mahjong Tiles Explained
Every American Mahjong set includes the following types of tiles:
- Dots, Bams, and Craks – The main suits, numbered 1–9.
- Winds – East, South, West, and North; they determine seat positions and special plays.
- Dragons – Red, Green, and White (or “Soap”); often paired with matching suits.
- Flowers – Special tiles found in may hands that have extra charm.
- Jokers – Wild tiles that can substitute for most other tiles — a game-changer when completing hands.
- Blanks – Intended to replace lost tiles but sometimes used for a rules variation in casual games.
The National Mah Jongg League Card
Each spring, the National Mah Jongg League releases a new official card that dictates which hands are legal for play that year. Think of it as the heart of American Mahjong; it acts as your playbook and your guide for the following 12 months.
Mahj Styled is proudly serving as a collector for 2026 card orders as an affiliate of NMJL. For every card ordered through us, $6 will be donated to Saving Grace Adoptions for Animals, a rescue group that pulls dogs from underfunded and overcrowded animal shelters around the state of North Carolina and finds them forever homes. Click here for more details.
Our Mahjong 101 class walks you through how to read the NMJL card, understand its patterns, and recognize common winning combinations. Once you learn the logic behind the hands, you’ll see why players eagerly await the new card every year! After Mahjong 101, we offer follow-up guided play sessions where you play several hands with help from an experienced mahjong instructor who guides you on the card, gameplay, and mahj table etiquette.
How a Mahjong Game Flows
American Mahjong is typically played with four players. The game begins with dealing tiles to each player, followed by a tile exchange round called the Charleston. Game play consists of rounds of drawing and discarding as each player works toward a valid hand.
When a player completes a listed hand from the card, they call “Mahjong!” and the round ends in celebration. It’s fast-paced, friendly, and deeply satisfying once you learn the rhythm.
Common Mahjong Terms
Here are a few key words you’ll hear at the table:
- Charleston – The unique tile-passing sequence that starts each round.
- Wall – The stacked tiles from which players draw.
- Calling – Claiming a discarded tile to complete a set.
- Mahjong (or Mahj!) – The winning declaration that every player wants to shout!
Why You’ll Love Learning Mahjong
Learning American Mahjong isn’t just about the game — it’s about community, creativity, and connection. You’ll sharpen your memory, improve focus, and enjoy endless opportunities for stylish socializing.
At Mahj Styled, our classes are designed to make learning simple, social, and beautiful. We’ll teach you through everything from tile recognition to strategy in a welcoming, hands-on setting using beautiful tiles, mats and accessories.
Sign Up for a Lesson or Event with Mahj Styled
Mahj Styled offers lessons for all skill levels, guided play sessions, and private group events that make learning mahjong feel like a party. Visit our Events page to see what’s upcoming in your area or contact us for a private booking.
🪄 Learn the tiles. Play with confidence. Style your table with flair.
Join the Mahj Styled community today and you’ll see why American Mahjong is more than a game — it’s a lifestyle.
