Mah Jongg FAQ

American Mah Jongg is a four-player tile game played with suits, winds, dragons, flowers, jokers, racks, and an annual hand card. Players draw and discard tiles while working toward one of the legal hands printed on the current National Mah Jongg League card.

It is social, strategic, and easier to enjoy once you understand the tile groups, the card, and the Charleston pass.

American Mah Jongg uses racks, jokers, flowers, and the annual NMJL card. It also includes the Charleston, which is the tile-passing sequence before the hand begins.

Chinese Mah Jongg and other regional versions use different scoring systems, different hand rules, and usually do not use the NMJL card or the Charleston pass.

For standard American Mah Jongg play, yes. The card lists the legal winning hands for the year and changes annually.

You can learn more on our 2026 National Mah Jongg Card guide, or visit the National Mah Jongg League for official card information.

The Charleston is the tile-passing sequence at the start of an American Mah Jongg hand. Players pass three tiles right, then across, then left. Some tables also play the optional Courtesy pass after those first three rounds.

The pass helps players improve their hands before regular drawing and discarding begins. For a step-by-step guide, read How to Charleston: The Mah Jongg Pass Explained.

The standard game is played with four people. Some groups use modified rules for three players, but four is the cleanest setup and the easiest way to learn the game properly.

There is a learning curve, mostly because new players need to learn the tile names, how to read the card, and how the Charleston works. The basic flow becomes much easier after a few hands.

Start with our How to Play American Mah Jongg guide and keep a Mah Jongg glossary nearby while you learn.

30MM tiles are the better fit for traditional manual American Mah Jongg play with racks. They are comfortable to handle, stack, and use on a regular table.

36MM tiles are larger and commonly used with compatible automatic Mah Jongg tables. They can be handled manually if your group likes a larger tile, but you should make sure your racks, storage, and table setup work with the larger format.

No. The 30MM tile sets are for traditional manual play. For compatible automatic tables, use the 36MM tile collection and check your table requirements before ordering.

No. The 30MM designer tile sets are tile-only unless the product is specifically listed as a bundle. Racks, pushers, mats, dice, and accessories are sold separately.

To complete the setup, shop Mah Jongg racks, Mah Jongg mats, or bundles.

A complete American Mah Jongg set usually includes the tiles, racks, pushers, dice, chips or coins, a bettor or wind indicator, and a carrying case. Exact contents can vary by product, so always read the product page before ordering.

If you are new to the game and want the simplest starting point, visit the Mah Jongg Starter Kit guide.

Most Charleston Club American Mah Jongg tile sets include 166 tiles. This typically covers the suits, winds, dragons, flowers, jokers, and blanks or spares used for American Mah Jongg play.

Product counts can vary by listing, so use the individual product page as the final source before ordering.

Wooden racks are a classic choice with a warmer table look. Acrylic racks have a cleaner, more colorful look and can match a modern setup.

For a full comparison, read our Wooden vs Acrylic Mah Jongg Racks guide.

A mat protects the table, dampens tile sound, and gives the game area a cleaner surface. New players often like the Mah Jongg Mat with Charleston Rules because the pass directions are printed around the edge.

Experienced players who do not need the pass reminders may prefer a standard Mah Jongg mat.

Good gifts include tile sets, racks, mats, bags, pouches, keychains, and accessories. If you are unsure what the player already owns, accessories and storage pieces are usually safer than buying another full set.

Start with Mah Jongg Gifts Under $50 or browse accessories.

Use a soft microfiber cloth for routine cleaning. For a deeper clean, use a slightly damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap, then dry the tiles right away.

Do not soak tiles, put them in the dishwasher, use bleach, or use abrasive scrubbers. For a deeper breakdown, read the Tile Care & Maintenance guide.

No. Avoid bleach, acetone, ammonia, abrasive pads, and harsh chemicals. These can damage the finish, affect paint, or dull the tile surface.

Store tiles in their case, tray, wrap, or storage bag in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sun, hot cars, damp rooms, and loose storage that lets tiles scratch against each other.

With normal play and proper cleaning, the markings should stay readable. The most common causes of damage are harsh cleaners, heavy abrasion, heat, prolonged direct sun, or leaving tiles wet.

Wipe the mat with a damp cloth and mild soap when needed. Let it air dry fully before rolling or storing it. Do not machine wash unless the specific product page says otherwise.

The Charleston Club ships within the United States and, where available, to select international destinations. Available shipping options are shown during checkout.

For the most current details, visit the Shipping Policy.

In-stock items typically ship within a few business days. Delivery time depends on the shipping method, destination, carrier volume, and any weather or transit delays.

Tracking information is sent when available after your order ships.

Non-custom items may be returned within 14 days of delivery if they are unused, unopened, and in original condition with all packaging. Approved returns may be subject to return shipping costs or restocking fees.

Custom, personalized, made-to-order, automatic, or electric components may have different return rules. Review the Refund Policy before ordering.

Contact us right away with your order number and clear photos of the item, box, and packaging. We will review the issue and help resolve it as quickly as possible.

Use the Contact page or reply to your order email.

Contact us as soon as possible. If the order has not been processed or shipped yet, we may be able to help. Once an order has shipped, it may need to follow the return process.

Checkout is processed securely through Shopify. Available payment methods may include major credit cards, Shop Pay, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and other payment options shown at checkout.

Visit the Contact page or reply to your order email. Include your order number when you have one so we can help faster.

The Charleston Club is an American Mah Jongg company focused on beautifully designed essentials for the game, including tiles, racks, mats, bags, accessories, and learning resources.

Learn more on the About Us page.

The name comes from the Charleston, the tile-passing sequence that helps define American Mah Jongg. It is one of the first parts of the game new players learn and one of the rituals that makes the American version feel social and strategic.

The Charleston Club currently operates online. Product pages include photos and descriptions to help you compare finishes, sizes, and accessories before ordering.

Yes. Send us a message through the Contact page. Tell us whether you are buying for yourself, a gift, a beginner, a regular player, or an automatic table setup, and we will point you in the right direction.