American Mahjong Quick Reference
This quick reference gathers the rules and sequences beginners most often need during a teaching game. It does not replace the current annual card or official rules, but it provides a compact reminder of setup, passing, turn order, calls, jokers, and hand verification.
Game Sequence
Build and break the wall
Set seats, roll dice according to the table procedure, and deal fourteen tiles to East and thirteen to every other player.
Complete the Charleston
Pass three tiles right, across, and left, then follow the agreed second Charleston and courtesy-pass procedure.
Begin with East
East discards first. Thereafter, a normal turn consists of drawing one tile and discarding one tile.
Resolve calls
The most recent discard may be claimed for a legal exposure or mahjong under the applicable priority rules.
Verify the win
Match all fourteen tiles to one exact line on the current card before scoring.
Group Sizes
- Single
- One natural tile.
- Pair
- Two identical natural tiles.
- Pung
- Three identical tiles.
- Kong
- Four identical tiles.
- Quint
- Five identical tiles, normally requiring at least one joker.
- Sextet
- Six identical tiles, normally requiring at least two jokers.
Joker Reminders
- Never pass a joker during the Charleston or courtesy pass.
- Do not use a joker in a single or pair.
- Use jokers only in eligible identical groups of three or more.
- Exchange a matching natural tile for an exposed joker at the proper time.
- A discarded joker cannot be called or recovered.
- Verify whether a particular card group permits joker use.
Before Declaring Mahjong
- Count fourteen tiles, including exposures.
- Match one exact current-card line.
- Check suit-color assignments and group spacing.
- Confirm exposed or concealed status.
- Verify natural singles and pairs.
- Check every joker position.
Quick Reference Questions
Can this page replace the annual card?
No. The current card defines the legal winning hands and exact line requirements.
Can house rules change this reference?
Some table procedures and scoring conventions vary. Agree on them before play and separate them from standard rules.
What should a beginner memorize first?
Learn tile families, the draw-discard rhythm, Charleston directions, joker limits, and how to read one card line.