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Mahjong Buying Guides

Expert guides to help you find the perfect mahjong set. We compare products, analyze brands, and give honest recommendations based on your needs and budget.

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Mahjong for Beginners: Your First Steps

Mahjong for beginners made easy. Learn the basics, understand the tiles, and play your first game with our beginner-friendly guide.

Updated Jan 23, 2026Read Guide

All Guides(19)

Guide

Mahjong Tiles Explained: Complete Visual Guide

Learn every mahjong tile: suits (dots, bams, craks), honors (winds, dragons), flowers, and jokers. Visual guide with meanings and uses.

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Best Of

Best American Mahjong Sets (2026) | Complete Buyer’s Guide

Not sure which American mahjong set to buy? We compare 6 brands across 4 price tiers — from $100 budget sets to $500+ luxury collections. Updated for 2026.

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Best Of

Best Budget Mahjong Sets (2026) | Quality Sets Under $200

Find quality American Mahjong sets without the premium price. Compare Yellow Mountain Imports, Metro Mah Jongg, and other affordable options from $150-200.

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Best Of

Best Luxury Mahjong Sets (2026) | Premium Sets $300+

Explore premium American Mahjong sets from Oh My Mahjong, The Mahjong Line, and Linda Li. Designer tiles, superior craftsmanship, and sets that make a statement.

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Best Of

Best Mahjong Bags & Carrying Cases (2026)

Compare mahjong bags for tiles and carrying cases from Yellow Mountain Imports, Linda Li, and AMAHJ. Soft bags, hard cases, and display boxes — find the right storage for your set.

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Comparison

Oh My Mahjong vs The Mahjong Line: Premium Brand Comparison (2026)

Compare Oh My Mahjong and The Mahjong Line side-by-side. Tile sizes, design styles, price ranges, and availability to help you find your perfect premium mahjong set.

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Comparison

Budget vs Premium Mahjong Sets: Is the Upgrade Worth It?

Compare budget ($50-150), mid-range ($150-300), and premium ($300-1000+) mahjong sets. Understand material differences, quality indicators, and which price point fits your needs.

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Comparison

Travel vs Full-Size Mahjong Sets: Which Should You Buy?

Compare travel mahjong sets (2-3 lbs, mini tiles) vs full-size sets (8-15 lbs, standard tiles). Find the right balance of portability and playability for your needs.

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Comparison

Large Print vs Standard Mahjong Tiles: Which Size Is Right for You?

Compare large print and standard mahjong tiles. Understand tile sizes, readability differences, and find the right option for your needs. No sales pitch — just facts.

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Comparison

Mahjong Racks vs Pushers: Separate, Combo, or All-in-One?

Compare mahjong rack and pusher options: separate pieces vs all-in-one combos. Understand sizes (18-20 inches), materials, and which setup fits your tiles and playing style.

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Comparison

American vs Chinese Mahjong: Key Differences Explained

Compare American mahjong (NMJL) vs Chinese mahjong: tile counts (152 vs 144), jokers, the Charleston, scoring systems, and which style fits your playing group.

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Comparison

Automatic vs Manual Mahjong Tables: Complete Comparison Guide

Compare automatic shuffling mahjong tables vs manual tables. Understand price differences ($200-$8,000), features, maintenance needs, and which fits your playing style.

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Guide

In-Person vs Online Mahjong Lessons: How to Choose

Compare in-person mahjong lessons with online learning. Understand costs ($20-75/hour vs $0-200 courses), social benefits, flexibility, and which approach fits your learning style.

Updated Feb 18, 2026

Guide2 products

Mahjong Set Buying Guide: What to Look For Before You Buy

Learn how to choose the perfect mahjong set. Compare tile materials, sizes, accessories, and find the right set for beginners or experienced players.

Updated Feb 3, 2026

Guide

Understanding the NMJL Card: A Complete Guide

Complete guide to understanding and reading the NMJL card. Tips for beginners and strategies for picking winning hands.

Updated Jan 23, 2026

Best Of1 products

Best Mahjong Sets for Gifts (2026 Gift Guide)

Top mahjong sets for gifting. Beautiful presentation, quality tiles, and sets perfect for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions.

Updated Jan 23, 2026

Best Of2 products

Best Mahjong Sets for Beginners (2026)

Find the perfect mahjong set for beginners. We compare tile quality, readability, and value across top brands like Oh My Mahjong, The Mahjong Line, and more.

Updated Jan 23, 2026

Guide

How to Play Mahjong: Complete Beginner's Guide

Learn how to play mahjong step-by-step. Our beginner's guide covers tiles, setup, gameplay rules, and tips to start playing today.

Updated Jan 23, 2026

Guide

Mahjong Rules: The Complete Official Guide

Learn the official mahjong rules for American, Chinese, and other variants. Clear explanations of tiles, gameplay, winning hands, and scoring.

Updated Jan 23, 2026

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More Guides Coming Soon

We're working on additional comparison guides including:

  • • Best Mahjong Accessories (racks, mats, and more)
  • • Complete Mahjong Gift Guide
  • • How to Host a Mahjong Party