Learn American Mahjong Online for Free: Resources That Actually Work
American Mahjong has a reputation for being hard to learn alone. Some of that reputation is earned (the annual NMJL card adds a layer most games don't have), but most of it is outdated. There are now enough good free resources online that you can go from "never seen the tiles" to "comfortable in a real game" in about two or three hours.
First, a warning
"Mahjong" online is a confusing search term. Three different games share the name. American Mahjong (NMJL) is the 4-player tile game with the Charleston and jokers. Chinese Mahjong is also a 4-player tile game but with different rules. Mahjong Solitaire is the matching tile game where you remove pairs. If you're searching for resources, add "American" or "NMJL" to your queries.
The fastest learning path
Step 1: Read the basics (30 minutes). Pick one beginner guide and read it end to end. Our how-to-play guide covers all of it.
Step 2: Watch a full game (30 minutes). YouTube has dozens of channels with complete game walkthroughs. Search "American Mahjong full game" or "NMJL Mahjong walkthrough."
Step 3: Practice against the computer (1 to 2 hours). Play free American Mahjong online against computer opponents for 4 or 5 hands. By hand 3 or 4, the moves stop feeling foreign.
Step 4: Join a real game. After steps 1 to 3, you have enough to join a group without being a burden. See our find players guide.
Free resources worth using
Practice platforms: americanmahjongg.app (free, no signup, full NMJL rules with computer opponents). YouTube channels: search "American Mahjong tutorial" or "NMJL Mahjong" for full-game walkthroughs. Cheat sheets: Charleston and master cheat sheet, both free.
What to skip
Mahjong Solitaire apps (different game). Chinese Mahjong tutorials (different rules, will confuse your learning). Advanced strategy content before you know the basic rules.