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NMJL Card Strategy

Tips for studying the card and choosing hands

Last updated: January 28, 2026

Success in American Mahjong comes from understanding the card and making smart decisions about which hands to pursue. These strategies will help you improve your game, from pre-game preparation to mid-game adjustments.

How to Study the Card

Don't try to memorize every hand. Instead, understand the CATEGORIES and their patterns. When you pick up your tiles, you'll recognize which sections might work.

Use tabs or highlighters to mark hands you like or find easier. Many players color-code by category or point value.

Study the card between games, not during. In-game time is for playing, not learning. The more familiar you are beforehand, the faster you'll spot opportunities.

Key Points
  • •Laminate your card to protect it throughout the year
  • •Focus on 2-3 categories at first, then expand
  • •Watch experienced players to see which hands they favor

Choosing Your Hand

Look at your starting tiles BEFORE the Charleston. Identify 2-3 possible hands you could pursue.

Flexibility is key. Don't commit to one hand too early. Keep tiles that work for multiple hands during the Charleston.

Higher point hands are harder. Unless your tiles strongly suggest a high-value hand, start with more achievable options.

Key Points
  • •Have a primary hand and at least one backup
  • •Pass tiles that don't fit ANY of your options
  • •Jokers increase flexibility - don't pass them casually

When to Switch Hands

If key tiles for your hand are discarded by others, it may be time to switch. Stubbornness leads to dead hands.

Watch the discards. If three copies of a tile you need are already out, that hand is probably impossible.

Early in the game, switching is easier. Late game, you may be committed. Know when you've passed the point of no return.

Key Points
  • •The earlier you switch, the more options you have
  • •A smaller, achievable hand beats an impossible big hand
  • •Sometimes the best play is to play defensively and deny others

Exposed vs. Concealed

Calling tiles (exposing) gives you the tile you need but reveals your strategy. Every exposure is information for opponents.

Concealed hands are worth more points but require drawing every tile from the wall. They're harder but more rewarding.

Balance risk and reward. If you're close to winning, calling makes sense. If you're still building, concealment preserves options.

Key Points
  • •Early exposures telegraph your hand - use sparingly
  • •Concealed hands keep opponents guessing
  • •Some hands MUST be concealed (marked with C) - know which ones

Defensive Play

If you can't win, don't let others win on your discards. Safe tiles are those already discarded or that match exposed melds.

Watch what tiles other players are collecting. Avoid discarding tiles that complete obvious hands.

A wall game (no winner) is better than giving someone else the win. Sometimes defense is the right strategy.

Key Points
  • •Discards that match someone's exposure are usually safe
  • •If unsure, discard what's already been played
  • •Dead hands should focus entirely on defense

Strategy Summary

  1. 1
    Study before you play - Know the card categories and patterns before sitting down to play.
  2. 2
    Stay flexible - Keep 2-3 possible hands in mind and don't commit too early.
  3. 3
    Watch the discards - Know when to switch if your key tiles are out.
  4. 4
    Balance risk and reward - Exposures give you tiles but reveal your strategy.
  5. 5
    Play defensively when needed - A wall game is better than giving away the win.