How to Name American Mahjong Tiles at the Table
American mahjong players often use short spoken names so every discard can be recognized quickly. Consistency matters more than accent or regional preference: the table should know exactly which tile has entered the discard field.
Common Spoken Names
- Craks
- Number plus “crak,” such as five crak.
- Bams
- Number plus “bam,” such as eight bam.
- Dots
- Number plus “dot,” such as two dot.
- Winds
- North, East, West, or South.
- Dragons
- Red dragon, green dragon, and white dragon or soap.
- Special tiles
- Flower and joker.
Choose Clarity Over Cleverness
Avoid nicknames that only part of the group understands. Saying “bird” for one bam may be familiar at some tables, but “one bam” is clearer for a beginner group. If local terms are used, explain them before the game starts.
Build a Reliable Naming Habit
- Look at the tile before beginning the spoken name.
- Say the number first for suit tiles.
- Use one consistent suit word throughout the game.
- Distinguish red, green, and white dragons clearly.
- Place the tile where it remains visible after naming it.
Tile-Name Questions
Are characters and craks the same suit?
Yes. American players commonly say craks for the character suit.
Are bams the same as bamboo tiles?
Yes. Bam is the common shortened table name.
Why is the white dragon called soap?
The mostly blank face resembles a bar of soap, creating a widely used nickname.