Question 1

What is the NMJL card?

Accepted Answer

The NMJL card is the official list of winning hands for American Mahjong, published annually by the National Mah Jongg League since 1937. It defines all valid winning hand patterns for the year. Every American Mahjong player needs the current year's card to play.

Question 2

When does the new NMJL card come out?

Accepted Answer

A new NMJL card is released each spring, typically mailed in late March to early April. Orders open in January. The hands change each year, which keeps the game fresh and requires players to learn new patterns and strategies annually.

Question 3

Where can I buy the NMJL card?

Accepted Answer

The official NMJL card can be purchased directly from the National Mah Jongg League at nationalmahjonggleague.org. The standard card costs approximately $14-15. A large print version is also available for an additional cost.

Question 4

How much does the NMJL card cost?

Accepted Answer

The standard NMJL card costs $14.00 and the large print version costs $15.00 (2026 prices). Prices may vary slightly year to year.

Question 5

Do I need the NMJL card to play American Mahjong?

Accepted Answer

The NMJL card is the standard used by most American Mahjong groups and defines the valid winning hands for the year. However, alternative cards also exist — such as the Siamese Card and Marvelous Card — that some groups use instead. Check with your group to see which card they play with.

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