A good set lasts decades. A bad one has missing jokers, tiles too small to read across the table, or racks that tip over. Check these six things before you buy.
1. It's actually an American set
An American game uses 152 tiles: 108 suit tiles (Dots, Bams and Craks, 1 through 9, four of each), 16 winds, 12 dragons, 8 flowers and 8 jokers. Chinese and Japanese mahjong are played without jokers, so sets made for them usually don't include any, and you can't play American mahjong without them. Count the jokers on the listing.
2. Spares
Check what extras the set includes. Some sets add extra jokers or blank tiles, and a blank is a handy replacement if a tile gets lost or chipped.
3. Tile size and weight
Bigger, heavier tiles are easier to read and more satisfying to play, but they need a bigger table. Check tile dimensions on the listing and measure your table.
4. Racks (and pushers)
You need four racks. Racks with pushers (arms that push your section of the wall forward) speed up every game. Each wall is 19 tiles long, so check the racks are long enough to push a full wall.
5. Readability
Look at close-up photos. The numbers and suit marks should be easy to read from across a table. Very decorative custom tiles look great on Instagram and slow down new players.
6. What's not in the box
The National Mah Jongg League card is almost never included; budget for one per player each year. Dice and a carrying case vary by set.
Before you check out: 152 tiles minimum, 8+ jokers, 4 racks, readable tiles, fits your table. Everything else is style.
Questions
How many tiles should an American mahjong set have?
At least 152: 108 suit tiles, 16 winds, 12 dragons, 8 flowers and 8 jokers.
Can I use a Chinese mahjong set for American mahjong?
Not as-is. Chinese sets don't include the jokers American mahjong needs.
Do mahjong sets come with the card?
Usually not. The card is sold separately by the National Mah Jongg League each year.
Do I need racks?
Yes for American mahjong. Racks hold your tiles upright and give you a place for exposures; racks with pushers make building the wall faster.