American mahjong
American mahjong plays from a yearly card, with 152 tiles and 8 jokers.
Three things that make it American
Get this year's card
The National Mah Jongg League issues new winning hands every year. To win, your tiles must match one line on the card.
Pass in the Charleston
Before play, everyone passes three unwanted tiles right, across, then left. If all agree, you do a second round.
Use jokers, never for pairs
A joker can stand in for any tile in a group of three or more. It can never fill a single or a pair.
Same tiles, a new card every year.
What your set needs
American mahjong
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Good to know
What is the difference between American and Chinese mahjong?
American mahjong follows a yearly card of set hands, adds 8 jokers and opens with the Charleston. Chinese rules vary by region, with no card and more freedom to build hands.
Do you need a new mahjong card every year?
Yes, if you play by League rules. The hands change each year, so everyone at the table uses the current card. The League sells it on its website, in standard and large print.
Can you call a tile for a pair in American mahjong?
Only to win. Otherwise you can call a discard just to complete an exposed group of three or more. There are no chows.
