Learn to play American Mah Jongg — by actually playing

Most guides start with a rulebook. We start with a table. Your first hand of American Mah Jongg is waiting: a coach walks you through drawing and discarding, reading your rack, calling your first tile, meeting the joker, and declaring Mah Jongg — against the same rules engine that powers every game on this site. Free and instant; no account needed.

American Mah Jongg is the four-player National Mah Jongg League style played with racks, jokers, the Charleston, and a card of hands. After your first win, keep going with 12 interactive lessons, practice games against bots, the daily challenge, and a plain-language rules guide with all 26 training hands.

Questions people ask

How long does it take to learn American Mah Jongg?

The mechanics take one hand to learn — that is what this tutorial teaches. Comfortable play comes after a handful of practice games.

Is American Mah Jongg different from Chinese mahjong?

Yes. The American style adds jokers, the Charleston, racks, and a yearly card of specific hands you must match exactly.

What is "the card"?

Each year the National Mah Jongg League publishes a card of legal hands. You learn here on a 26-hand training card built for beginners.

Do I need an account?

No — everything works instantly as a guest. A free account saves your progress across devices.

Can I play with friends?

Yes — create a private room and share the link. Empty seats fill with bots.