Mahjongg Resources
What is Mahjongg?
Mahjongg is a tile-based game developed in 19th century China and is played throughout the world with regional variations. The American version of the game has been popular in the United States since the early 20th century. Barbara teaches the American version in her classes, which is the version most commonly played throughout the U.S. The game typically has four players and is similar to the card game rummy, although it is more complex. The game is played with a set of 152 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols. During the game, players reference the annual card, which is created by the National Mah Jongg League and lists 71 possible winning combinations of tiles. There are also variations of the 71 listed hands, resulting in 1002 possible combinations. The object of the game is to be the first player to build one of the hand combinations during play. The National Mah Jongg League changes the card every year to keep things interesting and challenging. Ultimately, Mahjongg is a game of skill, strategy, and luck.
FAQs
How long will it take for me to learn how to play Mahjongg?
There are several aspects to becoming proficient at Mahjongg. First, players need to understand the steps of the game and the corresponding rules of play. Players also need to learn how to make strategic offensive and defensive decisions in support the hand they are trying to build and/or to block opponents’ ability to build their hand. Taking classes taught by a qualified instructor will give you the fundamentals you need and the ability to enjoy playing the game fairly quickly. With regular practice, play with others, and more instruction if you are so inclined, you will solidify your knowledge of the game and play will become easier and more rewarding. Over time you will gain deeper insight on how to play more strategically, making you an even stronger player. Mahjongg can provide a lifetime of enjoyment and fun as you progress over time from being a good player to a great one.
What are some of the benefits of playing Mahjongg?
Enjoy socializing. Playing Mahjongg creates new opportunities and reasons to socialize and expands your social circle, activities that are essential to a long and healthy life. The enduring cultural significance and global embrace of Mahjongg are evidence of the universal appeal of building community around shared interests.
Improve brain function. A 2020 study posted in the National Library of Medicine concluded “playing Mahjong for 12 weeks improved executive function in elderly people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Because Mahjong is a simple, low-cost entertainment activity, it could be widely applied to slow down or reverse the progression of cognitive decline in people with MCI, including those with traumatic brain injury.”
Reduce stress. Playing Mahjongg trains your mind and helps build patience. It also gets your mind off other pressing matters because of the need to focus on the game, thus reducing stress associated with those matters (at least for the duration of the game!)
Have fun! Playing Mahjongg is loads of fun. And Mahjongg is a better/healthier alternative to social media.
How in the world do you spell Mahjongg?
The way you spell Mahjongg depends on where you are playing and which game you are playing. In the U.S., it is most often spelled Mah Jongg, Mahjongg or Mahjong. In other parts of the world there are many variations, including Chung Fa, Macheuk, Ma Chong and Ma Que, to name a few. Regardless of spelling, the game involves similar rules and play.
Useful links
The National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) publishes the rules of American Mahjongg and supplies the Official Standard Hands and Rules Cards each year. There is a fee for the card, which the NMJL contributes to charities. Beware knockoffs of the card, which may be incorrect.
Real Mah Jongg Online - Play with your Mah Jongg Card
Real Mahjongg is an online game that you can play with computers or friends. For a reasonable an annual fee you can play unlimited games with the current and past NMJL cards. It’s a great way to practice!
As you might expect, everything you might wish to know about Mahjongg can be found on Wikipedia. The NMJL also publishes a book of rules.
Oh My Mahjong | Elevated Mahjong Sets & Accessories for Every Player
Sells drool-worthy tiles, mats, racks and storage bags for carrying sets. This the brand I use in my classes, and I am an affiliate. Class participants can receive a 10% discount by using a promo code I’ll provide in my handout in class. Full disclosure, I receive a small percentage of the sales.
Mah Jongg Maven - Mah Jongg Maven & Games
Mah Jongg Maven sells Mahjongg sets, accessories, and fun merchandise. They also sell the Official NMJL without markup and often faster shipping.
More resources and useful links are provided in my class handout!
*Source for overview of Mahjongg: Wikipedia, accessed 9/12/2025.