The short answer: a 144-tile set, four players, a table, and three dice. American mahjong uses 152 tiles including jokers, plus the yearly NMJL card. That is the whole kit. No board, no mat, no app needed.
Mahjong gear fits in one box. People assume you need a fancy table, a felt mat, and a scoreboard. You do not. Here is exactly what to put on the table.
What gear do you actually need?
- A tile set: 144 tiles. Three suits (dots, bamboo, characters) numbered 1-9 with four copies each, plus winds, dragons, flowers, and seasons.
- Four players. Mahjong is built for four people.
- A table with room for a wall of tiles. Raised edges help, but any table works.
- Three dice, rolled once per hand to break the wall.
- Something to track points: chips, paper, or a score app.
What changes for American mahjong?
- 152 tiles instead of 144, adding eight jokers.
- The National Mah Jongg League yearly card, which lists the legal hands for the season.
- The Charleston, a passing round before play starts.
Our American mahjong guide covers the extra equipment and rules in full.
Do I need an automatic table?
No. Automatic tables shuffle and stack the wall for you, which is nice at clubs, but at home shuffling by hand takes two minutes and is half the fun. Treat it as an upgrade, never a requirement.
Do not have a set handy? You can practice on the same tiles for free in our free mahjong game.
Related Questions
Can two people play mahjong?
Officially mahjong is for four players. Three-player variants exist, mostly in Japan. Two players need house rules, and most people just play online instead.
Do I need a mat?
No. A mat keeps tiles quiet and easy to pick up, but any table works. Many sets ship with a simple one anyway.
Can I play mahjong online instead?
Yes, and it is a great way to learn. Online games handle the wall, the discards, and the scoring, so you focus on decisions. Start with our free online mahjong.