Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to buy an NMJL card separately?
Yes. The National Mah Jongg League publishes a new card each year listing that year's winning hands. Our sets are NMJL-ready but the card is sold directly by the NMJL at nationalmahjonggleague.org. You'll need a current card before you can play.
What's the difference between American and Chinese mahjong?
American mahjong uses the NMJL card, joker tiles, and the Charleston — a tile-passing ritual at the start of each hand. Chinese and Singaporean rules don't use jokers or the Charleston, and winning hands are structured differently. Our sets play American rules out of the box. The Paradiso Seasons pack (8 tiles, free with the first 50 sets) adds the Seasons and Flowers tiles needed for Chinese and Singaporean play.
Are these tiles good for beginners?
Yes. The oversized format and high-contrast numbering make suits and values easier to read across the table — which matters most when you're still learning to recognize tiles quickly under game conditions.
Do I need racks?
Racks are not included. If you don't already own a set, you'll need four racks — one per player — to hold tiles upright during play. Standard American mahjong racks fit our tiles.
