American Mahjong Dice Rules
Dice are used before the first draw, not throughout the hand. Their purpose is to establish a fair starting point: many groups use them to choose East, and East rolls to determine where the wall is broken. Because social groups sometimes simplify the procedure, beginners should separate the core purpose of the dice from local shortcuts.
What the dice decide
The dice do not determine which hand to play, the direction of the Charleston, or whether a discard may be called. They are a setup tool. Once the wall has been broken and the deal is complete, put them aside where they will not mix with discards.
A practical dice sequence
Choose East
When seats have not already been assigned, each player may roll and the highest total becomes East. Resolve ties with another roll among the tied players.
East rolls for the break
East rolls again. The total is counted around the four wall sides according to the table's established method, beginning with East.
Count stacks at the selected wall
The roll also identifies the break point on that wall. Count complete two-tile stacks rather than individual tiles.
Open the live end
Separate the wall cleanly at the break so everyone can see where the deal begins.
Deal in groups of four
East distributes four tiles at a time around the table, completing thirteen-tile racks and a fourteen-tile starting rack for East.
Formal procedure vs. teaching shortcut
Formal table
Use the complete seat-selection and wall-break procedure. This is useful for league-style play, tournaments, and groups that value consistency.
Teaching game
A host may assign seats and use a simplified wall break to reduce early confusion. State that it is a teaching shortcut so beginners do not mistake it for the only accepted procedure.
Dice etiquette
- Roll where all players can see the result.
- Read both dice aloud and confirm the total before counting.
- Count wall sides and stacks consistently rather than changing methods mid-deal.
- Re-roll a die that leaves the table or lands clearly cocked against an object.
- Resolve uncertainty before moving any wall section.
- Keep dice out of the discard area after setup.
Why tables seem to count differently
Players may describe the same break using different starting references or counting language. A beginner does not need to memorize every regional custom. Ask the host to demonstrate once, then follow that table's method consistently. The resulting wall must have one obvious live end from which the deal proceeds.
Dice questions
Are dice used to choose Charleston direction?
No. The Charleston follows its prescribed passing sequence; dice are not used to select those passes.
What happens if the dice total is tied when choosing East?
The tied players roll again until one has the higher total.
Can a group skip the dice?
A casual group can agree on a simplified setup, but players should know when the procedure differs from the rules used by their regular league, teacher, or tournament.