Mahjong is played all over the world, and the version most people in the United States learn is American mahjong. It grew out of the classic Chinese game but has evolved into something quite distinct. If you have played one and are curious about the other, here is how they compare. New to the game entirely? Start with how to play American mahjong.
The tiles
Both games share the same core tiles: three suits numbered 1 to 9, winds and dragons. The Chinese set has 144 tiles. The American set adds eight jokers for 152 tiles, and jokers are central to the American game. You can see a full breakdown in American mahjong tiles explained.
The card
This is the biggest difference. Chinese mahjong lets you build many open ended hands based on general rules. American mahjong uses a card from the National Mah Jongg League that lists the exact hands allowed each year, and a new card comes out every spring. We cover it in the American mahjong card explained.
The Charleston
American mahjong has a unique opening ritual called the Charleston, where players pass tiles to one another before play begins to improve their hands. Chinese mahjong has no Charleston. This passing phase is one of the first things that feels new to players coming from the Chinese game.
Jokers
Jokers barely exist in traditional Chinese play but are a defining feature of the American game, where they act as wild tiles inside groups of three or more. Managing jokers well is a core American skill, covered in jokers in American mahjong.
Scoring and winning
In American mahjong you win by matching a specific line on the card, and that line's printed value is your score. Chinese scoring is based on combinations of patterns and can vary by house rules. The American system is more fixed, since everything traces back to the card.
Which should you learn
If your friends or local club play American mahjong, learn that, since you will have people to play with. The card based structure is beginner friendly because it gives you a clear target every hand. Either way you can use the same style of quality tiles. Browse our tile sets to get started.
Frequently asked questions
Are the tiles the same?
Mostly. The core suits, winds and dragons are shared. American sets add eight jokers.
Is American mahjong harder?
Not harder, just different. The card gives beginners a clear goal, which many find easier to learn.
Can I use an American set to play Chinese mahjong?
Yes, you simply set the jokers aside, since the core tiles are the same.
Ready to play? Explore our American mahjong tile sets.