How Do You Read the NMJL Card?

The NMJL card lists every valid winning hand, organized by category. Each line shows the pattern using abbreviations (D=Dot, B=Bam, C=Crak, F=Flower, and so on), the point value, and whether it has to be concealed. Numbers point to specific tiles. Letters in patterns indicate which suits have to match.

The NMJL card (National Mah Jongg League card) lists every valid winning hand for American Mahjong, organized by category. Each hand shows its pattern, point value, and any special restrictions. Hands use abbreviations: D for Dots, B for Bamboo, C for Characters, F for Flowers, and NEWS for Winds. Dragons show up as R, G, and 0. Numbers indicate specific tiles ('111 222 333' means tiles 1, 2, and 3 all in the same suit). Colors on the printed card show when different suits are required versus when the same suit continues. Each hand also shows whether it has to be concealed (marked with C or X, meaning no called discards) and its point value, which sets how much you collect if you win.