Mahjong Buying Guide

First question: who are you playing with?

American mahjong (166 tiles) uses jokers and flowers and follows the NMJL card. If your group plays with a card that changes every year, you need an American set — a Chinese 144-tile set simply will not work.

Chinese mahjong (144 tiles) is three suits plus winds and dragons, the style played in Hong Kong, Guangdong and most family tables. No jokers, no card.

Acrylic and jelly sets use the same layouts but translucent tile bodies. They photograph beautifully and read clearly under low light — popular with younger tables and with anyone hosting a lot.

Second question: how thick?

Thickness is measured across the tile face. 30mm is the American standard and the safest choice for most hands and most racks. 40mm and up gives a heavier, more premium feel and a louder click — lovely if your group likes it, tiring if you play four-hour sessions.

Third question: tiles only, or the whole kit?

• Tiles only — you already own pushers, a mat and a case. Cheapest way in.
• Standard kit — tiles plus a carry bag and basic pushers. The usual first purchase.
• Full kit — adds a four-color pusher set, long tray, tablecloth, chips and dice. Best value if you are starting from nothing.

Fourth question: stock or custom?

Stock arrives in 3–7 days. Custom takes 15–25 business days but puts your own artwork on the tile backs, from a single set. If you are buying a gift or marking an anniversary, custom is worth the wait; if you need to play next weekend, stay with stock.

Still unsure?

Write to [email protected] with how your group plays and your budget, and we'll point you at one or two specific sets instead of a whole catalog.