Learn American Mahjong

Start here if you're new to American Mahjong. These guides cover everything from what the game is to how scoring works.

• What Is American Mahjong?

  How American Mahjong differs from Chinese and Japanese Riichi Mahjong, and why it's played with a card.

• Beginner Guide

  Everything a first-time player needs before their first game.

• Rules

  The full rules of American Mahjong, step by step.

• Terms

  A glossary of American Mahjong terms and slang.

• The Charleston

  How the tile-passing phase works and basic strategy.

• Scoring

  How hands are scored using the National Mah Jongg League card.

• Jokers

  How jokers work and when they can and can't be used.

• Etiquette

  Unwritten rules and etiquette for playing with a new group.