Mahjong, Mah Jongg, or Mahjongg? A Quick Guide for New Players

Mahjong. Mah jongg. Mahjongg. Mah-jong. If you've seen the game spelled four different ways, you're not imagining it — and you're in the right place no matter which one you typed.

Same game, different spellings

American mahjong (the version played with 166 tiles, racks, jokers, and the annual card) is most often spelled mahjong today, but the National Mah Jongg League — keeper of the official card since 1937 — spells it mah jongg. Older sets and books often say mah-jong or mahjongg. They all refer to the same wonderful game taking over tables across the country.

New to the game? Start here

  • The mat: the foundation of every game night. Our gaming mats are hand-illustrated, waterproof, and quiet the tiles. Look for a Rules Edition — gameplay reminders are printed right on the mat so you can learn as you play.
  • Tiles: American mahjong uses a 166-tile set including jokers. See our tile sets.
  • Racks & pushers: each of the four players uses a rack to hold tiles and a pusher to build the wall — shop racks.
  • The card: the annual hands card comes from the National Mah Jongg League; most players keep one beside their rack.

A ready-made starter table

A few words you'll hear at the table

  • Mahj — what players actually call it ("mahj night is Thursday").
  • The wall — the rows of face-down tiles built at the start of each hand.
  • Jokers — wild tiles, beloved and fought over.
  • The Charleston — the opening passing ritual, named after the dance.

However you spell it, we'll be here — with the most beautiful table in the game. Explore all things mahjong →