FAQ for Beginners
Q: Do I need to know how to play before joining?
A: Not at all! We love teaching new players. Check out our Lessons page, where you can pick up the basics quickly. We also provide guidance during our Supervised Play sessions.
Q: Do I need my own Mahjong set?
A: You’ll want to bring your own tiles, racks, and dice. Great, affordable Mahjong sets, many of which include a carrying bag, are available from Amazon, Walmart, and many independent sellers. Some like to bring a notepad for keeping score or jotting down tips, but it’s not required.
Q: What should I bring to my first open play session?
A: Just yourself and a 2026 National Mah Jongg League Card (if you have one). Most people like to just hang out and observe for their first session. Then you’ll be hooked! Note that the NMJL usually releases a new card in late March of each year.
Q: What is a Mah Jongg Card?
A: Every year, the National Mah Jongg League issues an updated card that sets the official hands and rules of play for the current year. More information on the importance of having the official Mah Jongg Card is available here.
Q: What kind of Mahjong do you play?
A: Our club primarily plays American Mahjong, but we’re happy to introduce other styles depending on interest. We are also exploring two-player Siamese Mahjong, which will give us more options for managing overflow and rotations (see next question).
Q: How many people play at a table?
A: Mahjong is traditionally played with four players at a table. If we have extras, we rotate people in so everyone gets a chance to play.
Q: How long does a game take?
A: Open play gatherings usually run 2+ hours, but a single hand can take just 10–15 minutes once you get the hang of it.
Q: Is Mahjong hard to learn?
A: It might look complicated at first, but most beginners catch on after a few games. The tiles are easier to recognize than they first appear, and our members are happy to help.
Q: Is it like the online matching tile game?
A: Not quite! The matching solitaire-style game you may have seen online uses Mahjong tiles but is very different. The real Mahjong is a lively, four-player strategy game with more in common with rummy or poker.
Q: Do you keep score or just play casually?
A: Both! Some sessions are purely social, while others follow official scoring rules. Beginners are welcome in either setting.
Q: Is there an age requirement?
A: Mahjong is a game for all ages, though our club is geared toward adults.