Mahjong Set

A complete set of equipment for playing American Mahjong, typically containing 166 tiles (including 8 Jokers), 4 racks with pushers, scoring chips, dice, and a carrying case.

What Comes in an American Mahjong Set?

An American Mah Jongg set contains everything four players need to play the game. While sets vary in quality and extras, a complete American Mahjong set includes:

166 tiles, This is the standard count for American Mahjong, which differs from the 144 tiles used in Chinese/Asian variants. The tile breakdown is:

• 3 suits (Craks, Bams, Dots) x 9 ranks x 4 copies each = 108 suit tiles
• 4 Wind tiles (East, South, West, North) x 4 copies each = 16 Wind tiles
• 3 Dragon tiles (Red, Green, White/Soap) x 4 copies each = 12 Dragon tiles
• 8 Flower tiles (4 Flowers + 4 Seasons in traditional sets, or 8 generic Flowers) = 8 Flower tiles
• 8 Joker tiles = 8 Jokers
• Blank tiles (extras/replacements) = varies, typically 2-8

The 8 Joker tiles are what make American Mahjong sets distinct. Asian Mahjong sets do not include Jokers. If you purchase an Asian set, you will need to add Joker tiles separately (stickers for blank tiles are a common solution).

4 racks with pushers, Each player needs a rack to hold their tiles and a pusher to build the wall. Most American sets come with combination rack-and-pusher units.

Scoring chips or coins, Used to track points and payments during the game. Standard chip sets include denominations of 1, 5, 10, and 25.

2 or 3 dice, Used by the dealer to determine where the wall is broken.

Carrying case, Most sets come in a zippered case, hard-sided box, or decorative chest for storage and transport.

Quality Tiers and Materials

Mahjong sets span an enormous range of quality and price. Understanding the tiers helps you choose the right set for your needs:

Entry-level ($25-$60)

These sets use small, lightweight tiles (typically 25-28mm) made from acrylic, melamine, or basic resin. They get the job done for learning and casual play, but the tiles feel light and the engravings can be shallow.

• Tiles may feel plasticky or cheap
• Racks are usually basic plastic
• Cases are typically soft nylon zippered bags
• Good for: beginners, travel, players on a budget

Mid-range ($60-$150)

This is the sweet spot for most regular players. Mid-range sets feature standard-sized tiles (30-33mm) made from higher-quality acrylic or urea resin. The engravings are deeper and the colors hold up better.

• Tiles have a satisfying weight and feel
• Racks are often aluminum pushers
• Cases are structured with individual tile compartments
• Good for: weekly game groups, gifts, home play

Premium ($150-$400)

Premium sets use large, heavy tiles (33-37mm) crafted from dense urea resin with hand-painted or deeply carved details. The tile faces are richly colored with excellent contrast, making them easy to read.

• Tiles have a substantial, luxurious feel
• Racks are high-quality aluminum or wood
• Cases are often hard-sided with velvet-lined compartments
• Good for: serious players, tournament use, heirloom quality

Vintage and collector ($200-$5,000+)

Vintage Bakelite and catalin sets from the 1920s-1950s are highly collectible. Modern artisan sets carved from bone, bamboo, or exotic materials also fall into this category.

• Bakelite sets are prized for their warm feel, distinct "clacking" sound, and rich colors that develop patina over time
• Bone and bamboo tiles have a traditional look and feel dating back to Mahjong's origins
• These sets are often bought as collectibles or display pieces, though many players use them regularly
• Good for: collectors, vintage enthusiasts, those who want a unique set with history

Buying Guide: What to Look For

When shopping for an American Mahjong set, consider these factors:

Tile count, Must be 166

The single most important thing is ensuring the set has 166 tiles and includes 8 Jokers. Many sets sold online are Asian/Chinese sets with only 144 or 148 tiles and no Jokers. These sets will not work for American Mahjong without modification.

Tile size and readability

Bigger tiles are easier to read, especially in dim lighting or for players with vision challenges. Standard American tiles are 30-33mm tall. Avoid tiles smaller than 27mm unless you need a travel set.

Tile weight and feel

Pick up the tiles if you can. Good tiles should feel substantial, not hollow or flimsy. Heavier tiles stack better when building the wall and are more satisfying to handle.

Engraving depth

Deeper engravings last longer and are easier to read. Shallow engravings can wear smooth over years of play. Run your finger over the tile face, you should feel distinct grooves.

Rack quality

Aluminum pusher racks are the gold standard. Plastic racks work but feel less premium and can be flimsy. Ensure the rack is long enough (18"+ recommended) and that the pusher slides smoothly.

Case durability

If you transport your set to games, the case matters. Hard-sided cases protect tiles during travel. Soft cases are lighter but offer less protection. Look for cases with individual compartments to prevent tiles from banging together.

Color and style

Tiles come in a variety of colors, classic ivory and white, multicolored, pastel, bold, and everything in between. Choose a style you enjoy looking at, since you'll spend hours staring at these tiles. The most important thing is that the suit symbols (Craks, Bams, Dots) and Joker faces are clearly distinguishable.

Accessories and Extras

Beyond the core set, several accessories can enhance your Mahjong experience:

The NMJL card

This is arguably the most important accessory, and it's not included in any set. The National Mah Jongg League publishes a new card every year listing the valid winning hands for that year. You must purchase the current year's card to play standard American Mahjong. Cards cost around $14-$15 and can be ordered from the NMJL website or purchased at game stores.

Table cover

A felt or neoprene table cover (often called a "Mahjong mat") dampens noise, prevents tiles from sliding, and protects both the table and the tiles. Many serious players consider this essential. Standard sizes are 33" x 33" square.

Tile stickers and Joker labels

If you have an Asian set without Jokers, you can purchase Joker sticker kits to apply to blank tiles. These are a budget-friendly way to convert a 144-tile set for American play.

Scoring apps

While most sets come with physical chips, many modern players use smartphone apps to track scores. These apps automate the math and keep a running total across multiple games.

Card holder

A small stand or clip to hold the NMJL card upright for easy reference during play. Some players use a simple binder clip propped against their rack.

Tile brushes

Small brushes designed to clean tile engravings, which can accumulate dust and oils from handling over time. A soft toothbrush works just as well.

Extra tiles

Most sets include 2-8 blank tiles as spares. If you lose or damage a tile, you can engrave or sticker a blank as a replacement. You can also purchase individual replacement tiles from some manufacturers.

Caring for Your Mahjong Set

A good Mahjong set can last decades, or even generations, with proper care:

Cleaning tiles

• Wipe tiles with a damp cloth after extended play sessions
• For deep cleaning, use mild soap and water, avoid harsh chemicals that could damage engravings or discolor tiles
• Dry tiles thoroughly before storing to prevent moisture damage
• Never submerge vintage Bakelite tiles in water; wipe them with a slightly damp cloth instead

Storage

• Store tiles in their case with compartments to prevent chipping and scratching
• Keep the set in a cool, dry place, extreme heat can warp plastic and resin tiles
• Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods, which can fade tile colors
• If your set came in a soft case, consider upgrading to a hard case for better protection

Rack maintenance

• Wipe aluminum racks with a dry cloth to remove fingerprints
• Check pusher rails periodically, a drop of silicone lubricant keeps them sliding smoothly
• Tighten any screws or fasteners on combination rack-and-pusher units

General tips

• Handle tiles by the edges rather than the faces to reduce oil buildup on engravings
• Use a table cover to prevent tiles from chipping when they contact hard table surfaces
• Count your tiles after each session to make sure none were accidentally left out or dropped
• If a tile cracks or chips, replace it with a blank tile and a sticker rather than playing with a marked tile (which could give away information)

A quality Mahjong set is an investment in years of entertainment. Many families pass their sets down through generations, and the tiles develop a warm patina and character that adds to the experience. Whether you buy an entry-level set to learn on or splurge on a premium set from the start, taking care of your equipment ensures it stays in great shape for countless games to come.