Whether you’re brand new to Mahjong or ready to sharpen your strategy, Mahjong Rules is your complete guide to learning American Mahjong — the most popular version played in the U.S. today.
We’ll walk you through every step: from understanding your first tile to mastering the National Mahjong League (NMJL) scorecard. No confusion. No complicated jargon. Just clear, friendly explanations that make learning fun and simple.
🀄 Learn the rules
🎯 Understand the scoring card
🧠 Practice online and play with confidence
What Is American Mahjong?
American Mahjong is a four-player tile game that blends luck, logic, and memory. While it originated in China more than 150 years ago, American players have made it their own — adding Jokers, Charleston exchanges, and a new card of winning hands every year.
That mix of tradition and creativity is what makes it so special — and so addictive.
What You’ll Learn Here
We focus on everything you need to play and enjoy American Mahjong, including:
🃏 The Basic Rules – Setup, gameplay, and tile combinations
🧩 The Annual Mahjong Card – How to read and score using the NMJL card
💡 Beginner Tips & Strategy – Learn faster and avoid common mistakes
🪄 Where to Play Online – Trusted sites like I Love Mahj where you can practice and play
🎁 Recommended Mahjong Sets & Accessories – Our favorite sets for home games
Learn & Play American Mahjong Online
If you’d like to learn by playing, we recommend I Love Mahj — an official American Mahjong platform that’s beginner-friendly, browser-based, and uses the real NMJL card.
It’s the perfect place to practice what you learn here.
Who Is This Site For?
- Total beginners who want a non-intimidating introduction
- Casual players ready to learn scoring and etiquette
- Competitive grinders looking to compare global formats
- Teachers and organizers seeking accurate rule explanations
About Connor
💬 “I used to think mahjong was a game for old men in smoky rooms. Then I played a Riichi match online that nearly gave me a heart attack – in the best way possible.”
Connor is a lifelong strategy gamer who fell in love with mahjong while living abroad in Southeast Asia. What began as a curiosity turned into a full-blown obsession. He’s played hundreds of hours across all major formats – from fast Hong Kong games in crowded cafés to solo American-style training sessions late at night.
Connor contributes in-depth reviews, personal strategy advice, and accessible breakdowns for new players. His mission? Help more people appreciate how much depth – and joy – mahjong can offer.
Start Here
- How to Play Mahjong – Beginner’s Guide
- Rules by Country
- Mahjong Terms Glossary
- Best Mahjong Platforms Online (2025)
🀄 Mahjong isn’t just a game. It’s a culture, a mindset, and a puzzle with infinite solutions. Welcome to the journey.