Mahjong Tiles Explained: Complete Visual Guide
Updated January 23, 2026
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American Mahjong sets contain 152 playing tiles, plus spare blanks depending on the manufacturer. Understanding each tile is your first step to mastering the game. This visual guide shows you every tile with authentic designs.
Watch & Learn
Video tutorials from trusted mahjong educators to help you learn the tiles.
Captions available via YouTube player controls.
Captions available via YouTube player controls.
American Mahjong Set: 152 Playing Tiles
Sets typically include extra blank tiles as replacements for lost pieces.
The Three Suits
Each suit is numbered 1-9, with 4 copies of each tile (36 tiles per suit)
Dots (Circles)
Numbered 1-9, representing coins or circles
The Dots suit (also called Circles or Pins) represents coins. The number of circles matches the tile value. In many sets, the circles have red and green centers.
Bamboo (Bams)
Numbered 1-9, representing bamboo sticks
The Bamboo suit (also called Bams or Sticks) represents strings of coins. The 1 Bamboo uniquely shows a bird (sparrow or peacock) instead of a single stick.
Characters (Craks)
Numbered 1-9, representing Chinese numerals
The Characters suit (also called Craks or Wan) shows Chinese numerals 1-9 with the character 萬 (wan, meaning 10,000). These are always shown in red.
Honor Tiles: Winds
Four directions, 4 copies each (16 tiles total)
Winds
East, South, West, North - the four directions
Wind tiles represent the four directions. East (東) is the dealer and most honored position. Winds can only form Pungs (three of a kind) or Kongs (four of a kind), never sequences.
Honor Tiles: Dragons
Three dragons, 4 copies each (12 tiles total)
Dragons
Red, Green, White - honor tiles
Dragon tiles are honor tiles. Red Dragon (中) means "center" and represents passing exams. Green Dragon (發) means "prosperity." White Dragon is often blank or shows 白 (white).
Flowers & Seasons
Bonus tiles unique to American Mahjong (8 tiles total)
Flowers & Seasons
Decorative tiles used in American Mahjong hands
Flower tiles in American Mahjong include 4 Flowers and 4 Seasons. Unlike Asian variants where flowers are bonus tiles, American rules use them in regular hands. They can form pairs and sets.
Jokers
Wild cards exclusive to American Mahjong (8 tiles total)
Jokers
Wild cards in American Mahjong
Jokers are wild cards unique to American Mahjong. They can substitute for any tile in a Pung (3), Kong (4), or Quint (5). Important: Jokers cannot be used in pairs or as single tiles.
Ready to Practice?
Test your tile recognition with our interactive flashcards. Perfect for beginners learning the tiles or experienced players wanting to sharpen their speed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many tiles are in an American Mahjong set?
American Mahjong requires 152 tiles for NMJL play: 108 suited tiles (36 each of Dots, Bams, and Craks), 16 Winds, 12 Dragons, 8 Flowers, and 8 Jokers. Most sets include extra blank tiles as replacements.
What's the difference between American and Chinese Mahjong tiles?
American Mahjong sets include 8 Joker tiles (wild cards) not found in Asian variants. Both have Flowers, but American sets require them for play while Chinese variants treat them as bonus tiles. American tiles are also typically larger.
Why is the 1 Bamboo a bird instead of a bamboo stick?
Traditionally, the 1 Bamboo depicts a bird (sparrow or peacock) to distinguish it from other tiles. This design dates back to the original Chinese sets and represents good fortune.
What does the White Dragon look like?
The White Dragon (also called 'Soap' or 'Bai') varies by set. It's often shown as a blank tile with a decorative border, a simple rectangle, or the Chinese character 白 (white).