Beginner Course
A step-by-step American mahjong learning path for complete beginners.
Follow the lessons in sequence when you are new, or return to the exact step that still feels uncertain at the table.
Explore Beginner Course
American Mahjong Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to the rule and setup questions beginners ask most often.
American Mahjong Etiquette for Beginners
Table habits that keep a social game fair, comfortable, and easy to follow.
How Long Does an American Mahjong Game Take?
Plan enough time for one hand, several rounds, or a complete social session.
American Mahjong vs. Chinese Mahjong
Understand why two games with related tiles can have very different rules and strategy.
American Mahjong Card Guide
Use the annual card accurately without treating it as a list of approximate patterns.
Start Here: Learn American Mahjong
Use one ordered learning path instead of trying to absorb every rule at once.
How to Play American Mahjong
A complete beginner walkthrough of American mahjong from the first shuffle to the final declaration.
American Mahjong Setup
Prepare an American mahjong table correctly before the first pass or discard.
The Charleston for Beginners
A clear beginner guide to the Charleston sequence and the decisions made during each pass.
How to Read the American Mahjong Card
Decode the structure and notation of the annual American mahjong card.
How to Find American Mahjong Games Near You
Practical ways to locate a welcoming American mahjong game or class in your area.
How to Start an American Mahjong Group
Build a reliable, welcoming American mahjong group from the first invitation onward.
Mahjong Singles, Pairs, Pungs, and Kongs
Learn the group-size language used on the American mahjong card.
American Mahjong Glossary
Plain-language definitions for terms beginners hear at the table.
What Is a Pung in Mahjong? Meaning, Jokers and Calls
A pung is three matching tiles. Learn how pungs work in American Mahjong, when a discard can be called, and when jokers are legal.
What Is a Kong in Mahjong? Meaning, Jokers and Calls
A kong is four matching tiles. Learn how kongs appear on an American Mahjong card, when they can be exposed, and when jokers may be used.
What Is a Quint in American Mahjong?
A quint is a five-tile matching group. Learn why the four-copy natural tile limit makes jokers essential to most quint hands.
What Is a Natural Tile in American Mahjong?
Understand the term natural tile and why exact non-joker tiles matter in pairs, singles, and jokerless hands.
How to Name American Mahjong Tiles at the Table
Use consistent spoken tile names for faster, clearer American mahjong play.
American Mahjong Tips for Players With Low Vision
Improve tile recognition and card reading with practical low-vision table adjustments.
American Mahjong Tips for Limited Hand Mobility
Reduce unnecessary lifting and reaching while keeping play fair and independent.
How to Make an American Mahjong Table Hearing-Friendly
Make discards, calls, and turn changes easier to follow without changing gameplay.
American Mahjong Quick Reference
Keep the most important American mahjong rules and sequences in one practical reference.
How to Observe an American Mahjong Game
Watch a live table with purpose while respecting pace, privacy, and player concentration.
From Practice to Independent American Mahjong Play
Use practical readiness signs to move from guided lessons into confident independent games.