New to mahj?
Your first game night, made easy
What is American mahjong?
American mahjong is a social tile game for four friends around one table: equal parts strategy, luck, and conversation.
A standard American mahjong set has 152 tiles, including 8 jokers. Bloom a Little sets include 160: 144 tiles plus 10 jokers and 6 blanks, so you always have spares.
Winning hands come from the yearly National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card: a shared list everyone plays from that season.
What's in your set
- 160 tiles (incl. 10 jokers + 6 blanks)
- 4 shell pink racks with pushers
- 2 white dice
- Coral pink zip case
The NMJL card is not included. Get yours each year from the National Mah Jongg League. Visit the NMJL website
Your first game in 5 steps
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Set up the racks
Each player gets a rack and pusher. Sit so everyone can reach the center.
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Build the wall
Shuffle face-down, then build four walls of tiles, your shared starting board.
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The Charleston
The first Charleston passes right, across, then left. A second, optional Charleston goes left, across, then right. It's the friendly warm-up before play begins.
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Play and call
Draw, discard, and call tiles when they help your hand. Keep it light and curious.
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Declare Mahjong
When your hand matches a line on the card, say Mahjong, and celebrate.
Host your first mahj night
Invite 3 friends
Four seats, one table. A text thread is enough.
Snacks, not stress
Something easy to share. No need for a full dinner service.
A soft playlist
Background music that leaves room for talking between hands.
Keep the card handy
One NMJL card in the middle helps everyone stay oriented.