The National Mah Jongg League releases a new card every year, and every year the winning hands change. That means one date matters to every American mahjong player: when you can get the new one.
The timeline
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| January | Orders open on the League's website for the new year's card |
| Late March to early April | First cards ship, to people who ordered in January and February |
| Late April to May | Later orders ship |
So if you want the 2027 card the week it ships, order in January or February.
How to order
- Direct from the League at the National Mah Jongg League store.
- Through a group order. Ask your group whether it runs one.
Want a reminder? Put your email in the box at the bottom of this page and we'll tell you the day 2027 orders open.
What it costs
When we checked the League's store in October 2026, it listed the 2026 card at $14 for the standard size (5 1/8" x 4") and $15 for large print (6 1/8" x 4 3/4"), plus a $35 Mega Card. The League sets 2027 prices when orders open, so expect them to move.
Some groups are already collecting 2027 orders. One example: NCJW Sacramento is taking orders at $16 standard and $18 large print, due by February 1, 2027, with the League mailing cards around the first week of April. Group prices usually run a little higher because the extra goes to the group.
What to do when the new card arrives
- Agree with your group on a switch date, so nobody plays a different card.
- Read through every section once before your first game. The hands change every year.
- Keep last year's card for practice games with new players.
Questions
When can I order the 2027 mahjong card?
The League opens orders for each new card in January.
When will my new mahjong card arrive?
Cards don't ship until late March or early April at the earliest. January and February orders go out first; later orders typically ship around late April or May.
Where do I buy the official mahjong card?
From the National Mah Jongg League's online store, or through a group order if your club runs one.
Can I keep playing last year's card?
Until the new card arrives, yes. Agree on a switch date with your group so nobody is playing a different card.