Module 01
The 2-Minute Explainer
This task
Step 1 of 7 + quiz
In a real game: A full game usually takes 15–30 minutes.
“Welcome! I was lost at my first game too. American Mah Jongg makes sense one piece at a time, so let's go slowly.”
Mae · Friendly neighborEtiquette
Four players, one card
American Mah Jongg is played by four players against a card of Standard Hands published each year by the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL). You win by being first to complete one hand from that card.
The table from your seat — tap any part to learn what it is.
Your 13 tiles stand on your rack, faces toward you. Exposed groups you call go face up on top of or in front of it.
See it on the practice card
Fictional training card · NOT the official NMJL card
- 224446666888FF2468 · Exposed · 25 pts
- NNNNEEEWWWSSSSWinds & Dragons · Exposed · 25 pts
Every hand is 14 tiles from one card. These two practice lines show a number hand and an honors-only hand.
On the real NMJL card: The real NMJL card has different hands and changes every year — buy the current one from the League.