2026 National Mah Jongg League Card Hub
The new card is the starting point for the new year of play.
The National Mah Jongg League card is the guide American Mah Jongg players use to build legal hands. The card changes every year, so returning players need the current version and new players need to understand how it works before the first game.
The NMJL card changes each year, with new legal hands for American Mah Jongg play.
Players keep the card near the rack and reference it throughout the hand.
Once you understand the layout, the card becomes much easier to read.
A card works best with a set, racks, a mat, and a simple place to store it.
The NMJL card is the yearly hand guide for American Mah Jongg.
Think of the card as the current year’s playable menu of hands. Each row shows a legal hand you can build toward during play. The tiles stay the same, but the legal hand combinations change each year.
- Released annually The National Mah Jongg League releases a new card each year, typically in spring.
- Used for NMJL-rules play Most American Mah Jongg groups use the current year’s card.
- Lists legal hands Each row shows a different hand pattern players can complete.
- Organized by categories The card groups hands by themes and hand types.
- Shows point values The card includes the value for each winning hand.
- Works with your tiles The card changes yearly, but your American Mah Jongg tiles do not.
The card sits next to your rack while you play.
During a game, players use the card to choose possible target hands, check tile patterns, and confirm that a hand is legal before declaring Mah Jongg. New players usually start by learning a few categories instead of trying to memorize the entire card.
Start with the structure, not the whole card.
The card can look dense at first. Read it row by row. Each row represents one possible hand. The symbols, numbers, colors, and point values tell you what the hand requires.
Start with one section of the card rather than scanning the whole thing at once.
Each row shows the tile pattern needed to complete that hand.
Letters and numbers tell you what kind of tiles the hand requires.
The value tells you how much the hand scores if you complete it.
Compare your tiles against a few possible hands as the game develops.
Your tile set still works. The card is what changes.
You do not need new tiles every year. American Mah Jongg tiles are used with the current card, and the card tells you which combinations are legal for that year of play.
Buying the card is a good time to refresh the rest of the table.
If you are getting the new card, check the rest of your kit too. A clean setup makes the new card cycle easier, especially for new players or groups coming back after a break.
Complete American Mahjong Set
Includes 166 tiles, four racks, dice, wind indicator, betting chips, instruction booklet, and carrying bag.
View Complete SetCharleston Rules Mat
A 32 x 32 inch neoprene mat with Charleston reminders printed on the surface.
View Charleston Rules MatMah Jongg Cosmetic Bag
A canvas zip pouch for keeping your card, small accessories, keys, cosmetics, and game items together.
View Cosmetic BagWooden Mah Jongg Racks
A set of four 19 inch wooden racks with integrated magnetic pushers in a natural beige finish.
View Wooden RacksNote: If the direct product link for the current card changes, use the site search for “2026 NMJL Card” to find the live listing.
Helpful answers before you order.
What is the 2026 National Mah Jongg League card?
It is the yearly card used for American Mah Jongg play under NMJL rules. It lists the legal hands players can build for the year.
Do I need the current year’s card?
For NMJL-rules play, yes. The hands change every year, so most clubs, teachers, tournaments, and regular groups use the current year’s card.
Do I need new tiles for the 2026 card?
No. The tile set does not change each year. The card changes the legal hand combinations, not the tiles themselves.
How do beginners learn to read the card?
Start by reading one section at a time. Learn what the symbols mean, choose a few target hands, and use the card next to your rack while you play.
What should I buy with the card?
If you are new, start with a complete American Mahjong Set. If you already play, consider a Charleston Rules mat, a pouch for your card, or an upgraded rack set.
Can I use last year’s card casually?
Casual groups can agree to play however they like, but current-year card play is the standard for NMJL-rules games, clubs, lessons, and most organized play.
Get the card, then get the table ready.
Order the current card, learn how to read it, and pair it with the setup that makes your next game easier to play.