The American Mah Jongg Learning Series
Eliza’s Mah Jongg Resources & Favorites
What I use, what I look for, and what I’d consider when choosing your own Mah Jongg set and accessories.
Whether you’re learning American Mah Jongg or have been playing for years, there are a lot of sets and accessories to choose from. I’ve gathered some of my favorite finds here to make choosing a little easier.
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Start here
Buy the Official NMJL Card
The card links below take you to the National Mah Jongg League’s official Amazon store. I recommend purchasing your annual card from the official source. Other Amazon listings may look similar or describe their cards as “official,” but some third-party versions may not match the current NMJL card and its hands exactly.
For standard American Mah Jongg, always use the current official National Mah Jongg League card.
Large Print NMJL Card — Eliza’s Pick
I personally prefer the Large Print card. I find the larger format easier to follow at the table, and many players I know prefer it too.
Standard Size NMJL Cards
Prefer the traditional Standard Size? The 4-pack is convenient for a regular group or full table.
Large Print: 6⅛″ × 4¾″ · Standard: 5⅛″ × 4″
Start here
New to American Mah Jongg? Start Here.
After purchasing the official NMJL card, beginners can use Eliza Keeler’s step-by-step guide to learn the tiles, the Charleston, Jokers, the annual card, strategy, and real table play.
Revised & Expanded Second Edition
The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg
Step-by-Step Rules, Charleston, Jokers, Strategy & Real Table Play for Beginners
by Eliza Keeler
A friendly, full-color beginner guide to American Mah Jongg. Eliza Keeler walks brand-new players through the tiles, the Charleston, jokers, and how to read the annual card with clear step-by-step lessons and real table play — everything you need to sit down at the table with confidence. A full-color 6 × 9 guide.
Protect your card
AOG Glare-Free Matte Covers
Choose the size and quantity that works for you. AOG offers both Standard and Large card covers, with options for individual players or groups.
Standard Size
Large Print Size
Why I like them: The matte finish helps reduce glare, and having 1-, 2-, and 4-cover choices makes it easy to buy for yourself or your whole table.
Helpful card aids
Little Helpers for Reading the Card
Complete sets
Choose Your Mah Jongg Set
Once you have your card and accessories, a complete set gives you everything you need to play. This is the one I feature first.
PiPiCat Complete American Mah Jongg Set
A complete, ready-to-play American Mah Jongg set with tiles, racks, and a sturdy case — a great all-in-one choice whether it’s your first set or an upgrade for game night.
Giftqulo American Mah Jongg Set
A colorful, complete set with tiles, racks, and case — a stylish option for players who want a little personality at the table.
Shop on AmazonJGIKK American Mah Jongg Set
A complete set with a compact case — easy to bring along to club nights, tournaments, and game gatherings.
Shop on AmazonLinda Li American Mah Jongg Set
A classic, well-priced complete set — a solid pick for new players building their first table setup.
Shop on AmazonPremium & decorative
Premium & Decorative Mah Jongg Sets
If the look of your Mah Jongg set is part of the fun, these are a few decorative options I especially like. Some decorative sets may include tiles only, so always check the current listing to see whether racks, pushers, a mat, or storage are included.
VIRORA Pink 4-Layer Set
Why I like it: Pretty, polished, and giftable, with a distinctive look for someone who wants something different from traditional ivory tiles.
Sparkle Fairy Garden
Why I like it: Whimsical and colorful — a fun choice for someone who wants a Mah Jongg set with lots of personality.
Leopard 4-Layer Set
Why I like it: This one simply has a fun, stylish look and stands out from many of the more traditional sets.
Mahjong Atelier Terra
Why I like it: A softer, more sophisticated decorative option with a modern boho feel.
Travel & compact
Travel & Compact Mah Jongg
Travel sets can be wonderful for vacations, cruises, RV trips, second homes, or simply saving space. Pay attention to tile size and style, because compact sets can feel different from the full-size tiles you may be accustomed to at home.
Grasonu Pink Mini Travel Set
Why I like it: A compact option that still gives you the feel of playing with actual Mah Jongg tiles.
Good for: Travel • Smaller spaces • Vacation homes
Mahjongolé Travel Set
Why I like it: Very portable and easy to pack.
Good to know: These are thin, flat travel pieces rather than traditional thick Mah Jongg tiles.
Racks & pushers
Racks & Pushers
I personally prefer racks with the pusher attached rather than having a separate magnetic pusher. I like having the rack and pusher work together as one piece — it keeps my setup simple and gives me one less separate item to keep track of at the table.
Eliza’s Preferred Style — Attached / Integrated PushersGinnerella Clear 2-in-1 Rack & Pusher Set
VCBVCB Integrated Rack & Pusher Set
Prefer Magnetic Pushers?
Some players prefer separate magnetic pushers, especially when they want a wood or premium acrylic look. Here are a few attractive alternatives.
Mats & table covers
Mats & Table Covers
A good playing surface can help soften tile noise, give the tiles a comfortable surface to move on, and make your Mah Jongg table feel more finished. I’ve included both decorative choices and a simple classic option.
WeRBestie Peacock Green Mahjong Mat
Why I like it: A beautiful decorative choice that gives the table a polished look without feeling too busy.
Pittera Mahjong Mat
Why I like it: A practical choice for regular play when function is more important than a highly decorative design.
Lotus & Butterfly Mahjong Mat
Why I like it: A pretty classic option with a softer decorative look that still works well for everyday game night.
Personalized Mahjong Mat
Why I like it: A fun way to make a game table feel personal and also a nice gift idea for a Mah Jongg player.
Yellow Mountain Imports 31.1" Table Cover
Why I like it: Not everyone wants a floral or themed design. This is a clean, traditional option that comes in several colors and can also be used for other tabletop games.
Playing mat or decorative tablecloth? I keep playing surfaces and decorative tablecloths separate. A playing mat or game table cover is designed to be the surface you actually play on, while a decorative tablecloth is primarily meant to protect or dress the table.
Storage & carrying cases
Storage & Carrying Cases
If you take your Mah Jongg set to a friend’s house, a league, or regular game night, good storage makes transporting everything much easier. Be sure to check whether a listing includes the game pieces or is for the carrying case only.
MotXrid Mahjong Carrying Bag
Why I like it: A good option for carrying more of your game-night setup together instead of transporting the tiles and accessories in several separate bags.
TIASUSAN / GAMETROVE Structured Mahjong Case
Why I like it: A more organized storage choice for someone who prefers a structured case with dedicated room for the different pieces of a Mah Jongg setup.
More Storage Options
There are also smaller tile bags, rack bags, trays, and hard-shell cases for players who don’t need to carry an entire setup. Look for the “Case Only” label so you know when the tiles or racks are not included.
Paterr Mahjong Tote / Carrying Bag
A soft tote-style bag for carrying a Mah Jongg set and its accessories together.
SilTriangle Hard-Shell / Clear PVC Mahjong Case
A hard-shell case with a clear PVC panel that protects a Mah Jongg set during storage and travel.
Xmoiqer Mahjong Tile Bag
A simple drawstring tile bag for keeping tiles together and contained.
BNHJKFQZ Green Chinoiserie Mahjong Bag
A decorative chinoiserie-print bag for storing and carrying a Mah Jongg set in style.
BNHJKFQZ Tropical Mahjong Bag
A tropical-print carrying bag for storing and transporting a Mah Jongg set.
Mykng Nzw Mahjong Organizer
An organizer with divided compartments for keeping tiles, racks, and accessories sorted.
Cosblank Mahjong Rack Bag
A bag designed to hold Mah Jongg racks and keep them protected between games.
TIASUSAN Purple Mahjong Rack Bag
A purple rack bag for storing and carrying Mah Jongg racks and accessories.
Tables & chairs
Tables & Chairs
You don’t need a specialty Mah Jongg table to enjoy the game. I like a nice square folding table paired with comfortable chairs — something that works well for game night but can still be folded away when you need the space.
VINGLI 34" White Square Folding Table
Why I like it: I like the clean white look because it works with almost any Mah Jongg mat or room décor. The square shape is a natural fit for four players, and the bi-fold design makes it easier to store when game night is over.
Villeston Padded Folding Chairs
Why I like it: These have a softer, more upholstered look than ordinary metal folding chairs, and I especially like that there are different fabric and color choices.
VECELO Folding Card Table + 4 Chairs — 5-Piece Set
Why I like it: This is a convenient choice for someone starting from scratch who would rather buy the table and four matching chairs together instead of shopping for each piece separately.
Handy Side Tables & Game-Night Stands
A small folding side table or compact stand can be surprisingly handy during Mah Jongg night for drinks, snacks, purses, tile bags, and extra accessories — leaving more room on the main table for the game. These are side tables for game-night accessories, not primary Mah Jongg playing tables.
Adams Quik-Fold Side Table
A compact folding side table that works well beside a Mah Jongg table for drinks, snacks, purses, tile bags, and small accessories, helping keep the main playing surface clear.
Garden 4 You Folding Tray Side Tables — 2 Pack
A convenient two-table option for game night when several players need extra space for drinks, snacks, purses, or accessories.
Automatic tables
Automatic Mah Jongg Tables
Automatic Mah Jongg tables are a much bigger investment than a regular set, so I’ve kept this section selective. If you’re considering one, pay close attention to the included tile sets, American Mah Jongg compatibility, table size, folding or storage features, setup requirements, and current seller support.
USA MJ Table Skyline Elite 30
Why I like it: This is one of the strongest American-focused automatic tables I found. It is designed with American Mah Jongg play in mind and provides room for racks and cards around the playing surface.
KEIKI Automatic Mahjong Table
Why I like it: A strong option for players who want an automatic table with multiple play modes and flexibility for different Mah Jongg styles.
HUANGZHE Folding Automatic Mahjong Table
Why I like it: I like the folding design for someone who wants a full-size automatic table but does not necessarily want it permanently open in the room.
More Automatic Table Options
Good to know: Automatic tables can differ considerably in tile size, included tile sets, play modes, assembly, controls, and support. Performance claims such as noise level, shuffle speed, or jam resistance are manufacturer or seller claims unless otherwise stated, so read the current listing and reviews carefully before ordering.
Portable automatic
Portable Automatic Mah Jongg
If you like the idea of automatic shuffling but do not want a full-size automatic table, these portable options are worth a look.
PYY Portable Automatic Mahjong Set
Why I like it: A particularly interesting portable option because it combines automatic shuffling with built-in racks and suitcase-style storage.
YINIUREN Portable Automatic Mahjong Set
Why I like it: A lighter, compact alternative for someone who wants automatic shuffling without committing to a full-size table.
Poolside & outdoor
Poolside & Outdoor Mah Jongg
Mah Jongg does not have to stay indoors! I keep Poolside & Outdoor as a year-round section because in warmer climates, outdoor and poolside play can be practical for much of the year.
Orchid Bloom Rose Pink Floating Mahjong Table
Why I like it: A pretty, more polished floating-table option for someone who wants the poolside setup to look as nice as the rest of their game-night setup.
Ertar Floating Mahjong Mat
Why I like it: A practical floating playing-surface option when you already have the other pieces you need and do not want to buy a full poolside set.
SSKKBX Floating American Mahjong Tiles
Why I like it: A dedicated floating tile option with an American-style tile assortment for poolside play.
NORIRUN Floating Mahjong Tiles
Why I like it: Another floating-tile option for someone who wants to build their own poolside setup.
Complete Floating Setup
LPXQXS 6-in-1 Floating Mahjong Set
Why I like it: A convenient option for someone who would rather buy a more complete floating setup than assemble the pieces separately.
Important: For standard American Mah Jongg, use the current official National Mah Jongg League card. Do not assume that a card included with a third-party set is the official current NMJL card.
Protect Your Card Poolside
A protected card is especially useful around water and drinks. Refer back to the card-cover options near the top of this page, including the AOG Standard and Large glare-free covers.
See Card CoversParty & hosting
Party & Hosting
Mah Jongg night can be as simple or as festive as you want. These are some of my favorite finds for serving food and drinks, decorating the table, putting together party favors, or making game night feel a little more special.
wellspars Mahjong Party Set
Why I like it: A convenient starting point when you want a coordinated Mah Jongg party setup without buying every plate, napkin, and decoration separately.
Food & Serving
AWIZOM "MAHJ" Charcuterie Boards
Why I like it: The four serving pieces spell MAHJ, so they work as both serving pieces and part of the party décor. I think these would also make a fun hostess or housewarming gift for a Mah Jongg player.
LemonRoad Charcuterie Cups
Why I like it: A simple way to create individual snack or charcuterie servings for a larger game-night group.
Selivaia Mahjong Food Trays
Why I like it: A casual option for sandwiches, finger foods, fries, nachos, and other game-night snacks.
Sliner Mahjong Snack Cups
Create a Game-Night Drink Station
Lifewit 2-Pack 6.5L Ice Buckets / Beverage Tubs
Why I like it: I like these as the first drink-station choice because they have a clean, all-purpose look. They can work for Mah Jongg night but also for birthdays, showers, holidays, mimosa bars, wine, champagne, soda, juice, and everyday entertaining.
LemonRoad Pink Mahjong Drink / Ice Tubs
Why I like it: A fun themed choice when you want the beverage station itself to be part of the Mah Jongg party décor.
Potchen Pink Mahjong Party Straws
See the Party StrawsMahjong Acrylic Cocktail Stirrers — 16 Pack
See the Cocktail StirrersLanties Stainless Mahjong Cocktail Picks — 6 Pack
See the Cocktail PicksSwig Life Mahjong Straw Toppers
See the Straw ToppersBaking & Dessert
Moitkptt Mahjong Cupcake Toppers — 24 Pack
Why I like it: An easy little finishing touch for a Mah Jongg-themed cupcake or dessert table.
Favors & prizes
Party Favors & Prizes
FunooFuno Mahjong Pens — 60 Pack
Why I like it: A good bulk option for club giveaways, tournaments, birthday favors, or larger Mah Jongg gatherings.
Idealmuzik Mahjong Pens — 10 Pack
Why I like it: A smaller group option for game-night prizes, favors, or little gifts.
Yiaoyinnz Mahjong Gift Bags — 24 Pack
Why I like it: The multiple Mah Jongg-themed designs make them especially nice for a favor or prize table.
Oitnlaughter Mahjong Gift Bags — 24 Pack
Table decor
Game-Night Table Decor
Buxiuer Mahjong Table Runner — 13" × 72"
Why I like it: A simple way to decorate a buffet, dessert table, dining table, or kitchen island without confusing it with the actual Mah Jongg playing mat.
Gifts & extras
Gifts & Little Extras
Sometimes the best Mah Jongg gift isn’t another set of tiles. These are some smaller finds that I think would be fun for birthdays, hostess gifts, game-night prizes, holidays, or just because.
Bornerwhite Mahjong Sticky Notes
Why I like it: Fun for small prizes, favors, stocking stuffers, or a little desk gift for a Mah Jongg player.
Christmas & seasonal
Christmas & Seasonal Mah Jongg
I’ll keep seasonal Mah Jongg finds together here so they’re easy to find when the holidays arrive. Availability can change quickly on seasonal products, so check the current Amazon listing for the latest styles and stock.
Teyva Daily Christmas Mahjong Tiles
Good to know: This is a Christmas-themed tile set; accessories are separate.
WVORJONG Christmas Mahjong Set
Why I like it: I especially like the pretty holiday presentation and gift-ready look.
More favorites
Racks, Cases & Pushers
Round out your table setup with the extras I recommend to new and seasoned players alike.
Racks & Tile Holders
Angled racks keep your tiles upright and your hands free. Look for weighted, non-slip racks with a smooth finish for comfortable play.
Shop on AmazonCarrying Cases & Bags
Padded cases and totes make it easier to bring your set to game night, tournaments, and club meetups while helping protect your tiles and accessories.
Shop on AmazonPushers & Accessories
Pushers make moving the tile walls easier, while wind indicators and other small accessories can help keep your table setup organized and functional.
Shop on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Get started
Beginner Tips for Your First Games
Four simple habits that help new players build confidence at the table — straight from the lessons in the guide.
Learn the tiles first
Before the card, get comfortable recognizing the three suits (Bams, Dots, and Craks), the winds, dragons, flowers, and jokers. Knowing your tiles makes everything else click.
Master the Charleston
The Charleston is a unique part of American Mah Jongg. The first Charleston is required: pass 3 tiles Right, Across, Left (ROL). If everyone agrees to continue, the second Charleston is Left, Across, Right (LOR). Afterward, players may make a Courtesy Pass of up to 3 tiles across.
Read the card in sections
The annual card is grouped by hand type — 2468, any like numbers, winds-dragons, and so on. Scan the section that matches your tiles instead of the whole card.
Play, play, play
Nothing replaces table time. Join a local group or online game, and don’t worry about speed — confidence comes from reps, not rushing.
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Looking for More Mah Jongg Help?
New to American Mah Jongg? Start with my step-by-step beginner’s guide featured near the top of this page, then explore the tips and resources throughout.
Back to the Beginner’s GuideAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.