How to Choose a Mahjong Set: Complete Buying Guide

The first decision is which type of set you need. This depends entirely on which version of mahjong you'll play.

AMERICAN MAHJONG SETS have 152 tiles including 8 jokers - tiles that don't exist in Asian sets. If you're playing with the NMJL card (the most common version in the US), you need an American set.

ASIAN MAHJONG SETS have 136-144 tiles without jokers. These are used for Chinese, Riichi (Japanese), Hong Kong, and other Asian variants.

Using the wrong set won't work - American rules require jokers, and Asian rules don't use them. Make sure your set matches the game you'll play.

Mahjong tiles come in different sizes, and this affects both readability and table space.

STANDARD SIZE: Approximately 1.1" x 0.8" x 0.5". This is the most common size and works well for most players. Most budget and mid-range sets use standard sizing.

LARGE/OVERSIZED: Some premium brands like The Mahjong Line offer larger tiles with bigger face designs. These are easier to read, especially for players with vision concerns, but require more table space.

MINI/TRAVEL: Smaller tiles exist for portability but aren't recommended as your primary set. They're harder to read and handle.

The difference matters more than you might think. If you play for several hours, readable tiles reduce eye strain.

A complete American Mahjong set should include:

152 TILES: Including 8 jokers. Some sets include spare blank tiles for replacements.

4 RACKS: Angled holders where you organize your tiles. Some are wood, some plastic.

4 PUSHERS: Used to push tiles forward during dealing. Some racks have built-in pushers.

DICE: Usually 3-5 dice for determining the deal.

CARRYING CASE: Soft bags are lighter; hard cases offer more protection.

OPTIONAL: Some sets include betting chips, wind indicators, or an instruction booklet.

The NMJL card is NOT included in any set - you must buy it separately from the National Mah Jongg League.

Tile quality varies significantly across price points.

BUDGET SETS ($50-100): Usually melamine or basic resin tiles. Functional and durable, but basic aesthetics. Accessories are typically plastic.

MID-RANGE SETS ($100-250): Better tile materials with more detailed designs. Often include nicer carrying cases and wood or upgraded racks.

PREMIUM SETS ($250-500+): High-quality tiles with designer aesthetics. Brands like Oh My Mahjong, The Mahjong Line, and AMAHJ fall here. Beautiful designs meant to last a lifetime.

Tile weight matters too - heavier tiles feel more substantial and are easier to shuffle. Budget sets sometimes feel 'light' or 'hollow' to experienced players.

UNDER $100: Perfect for beginners and casual players. Yellow Mountain Imports and Metro Mah Jongg offer quality at this price. You sacrifice aesthetics, not functionality.

$100-250: The 'sweet spot' for regular players. Sets from AMAHJ, Linda Li, and higher-end Yellow Mountain Imports offer upgraded quality without luxury prices. Great for committed players.

$250-400: Premium territory. Oh My Mahjong, The Mahjong Line, and designer sets live here. Beautiful tiles you'll be proud to display. Worth it if you play regularly and want something special.

$400+: Luxury and collector sets. Custom designs, premium materials, exclusive colorways. For players who want the absolute best.

Our recommendation: Start with a budget set ($80-100) if you're learning. Upgrade once you know you love the game.

If you're new to mahjong, don't overthink your first purchase.

A Yellow Mountain Imports set from Amazon ($79-99) is the most popular starter set for good reason - it's reliable, well-reviewed, and includes everything you need.

Alternatively, if you want something slightly nicer from the start, AMAHJ offers stamped sets around $250 that include tile labels helpful for learning.

Skip premium sets for now unless budget truly isn't a concern. You'll learn on any quality set, and upgrading later is part of the mahjong journey for many players.

If you've been playing and want something nicer, you know what matters to you.

PRIORITIZE READABILITY? Look at The Mahjong Line - their enlarged tile faces are popular with players who want easier-to-read tiles.

PRIORITIZE AESTHETICS? Oh My Mahjong and AMAHJ offer beautiful modern designs with curated color palettes.

PRIORITIZE VALUE? AMAHJ offers premium quality at slightly lower prices than some competitors.

Browse collections and trust your gut - you'll be looking at these tiles for years. Choose designs that make you happy.

AMAZON: Best for budget sets. Yellow Mountain Imports has an excellent reputation. Easy returns if something's wrong.

DIRECT FROM BRANDS: Often better for premium sets. Oh My Mahjong, The Mahjong Line, and AMAHJ sell direct. Sometimes exclusive colorways are only available this way.

SPECIALTY RETAILERS: GammonVillage carries multiple brands and is a trusted specialty retailer. Good for comparison shopping.

RETAILERS LIKE ANTHROPOLOGIE: Oh My Mahjong is sold at some upscale retailers if you want to see sets in person.

AVOID: Random sellers with no brand name or reviews. Counterfeits and low-quality imports are common.