Play Mahjong Online
Want to practice between games or play when you can't get four people together? These platforms let you play American mahjong online against real people or bots.
Quick Comparison
Free Play
Spring Mah Jongg
no subscription needed
Tournaments
Mahjong Time
20+ years, competitive
Learn + Play
I Love Mahj
tutorials + games
Offline Practice
Eight Bam
$14.99 one-time
Compare Platforms
Spring Mah Jongg
Dedicated to American Mah Jongg
Free to play (optional subscription)
Browser • iOS • Android
The newest platform from the Mahjong Time team, built specifically for American Mah Jongg players. Spring Mah Jongg offers free play with chips — no subscription required to get started. Play against real people or practice anytime.
Free Play
3,000 chips to start, daily refills
American Focus
Built for NMJL rules
From Mahjong Time
20+ years expertise
No Commitment
Play free, subscribe for perks
What You Get:
- Free to play — start with 3,000 chips
- Daily chip refills if balance drops below 1,000
- Dedicated American Mah Jongg platform
- Play against real people online
Best for: American mahjong players who want free play, casual players, anyone wanting to try before subscribing
Not ideal for: Players wanting other mahjong styles (American only)
Mahjong Time
The tournament player's choice
$9.99/month or $49.95/year
Browser • iOS • Android
The veteran of online mahjong — established in 2004 with 20+ years of continuous operation. Mahjong Time is the only platform offering regular online tournaments, making it the go-to for competitive players.
Tournaments
Daily & weekly competitive events
4 Game Styles
American, Riichi, Hong Kong, Chinese
20+ Years
Most established platform
Mobile + Web
Play anywhere, any device
What You Get:
- Only platform with regular online tournaments
- Multiple mahjong styles (American NMJL, Riichi, Hong Kong, Chinese)
- Private game rooms for playing with friends
- Active global player community
Best for: Tournament players, experienced players who want variety, anyone who plays multiple mahjong styles
Not ideal for: Complete beginners (limited tutorials)
I Love Mahj
Best for beginners and social players
Subscription (free trial available)
Browser
A welcoming platform built specifically for American mahjong players. I Love Mahj combines gameplay with comprehensive learning tools — tutorials, drills, and even a coaching directory to find instructors.
Learn & Play
Tutorials, drills, and games
Free Trial
2-4 weeks to try it out
Coaching Directory
Find teachers on the platform
No Download
Play in your browser
What You Get:
- Play against real people or practice against bots
- Comprehensive tutorials and skill-building drills
- Built-in coaching directory to find instructors
- Current NMJL card updated each spring
Best for: Beginners learning the game, social players, anyone who wants lessons + games in one place
Not ideal for: Players who want tournament competition or multiple mahjong styles
Eight Bam
Solo practice, anywhere
$14.99 one-time or $3.99/month
iOS • Android
A focused mobile app for practicing American mahjong on your own. Eight Bam is perfect for drilling the NMJL card, practicing Charleston, and sharpening your skills between live games — even without internet.
Offline Play
Practice anywhere, no wifi needed
One-Time Purchase
$14.99 and it's yours
Charleston Drills
Master the pass
Hand Validation
Learn what's valid
What You Get:
- Current NMJL card hands with yearly updates
- Charleston practice mode
- Hand validation with explanations
- Play against AI bots offline
Best for: Solo practice between games, learning the NMJL card, practicing on-the-go
Not ideal for: Playing against real people (bots only)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Spring Mah Jongg | Mahjong Time | I Love Mahj | Eight Bam |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best For | Free play, American | Tournaments, variety | Beginners, social | Solo practice |
| Play vs People | Yes | Yes | Yes | No (bots only) |
| Free Play | Yes (unlimited) | Limited | Trial only | No |
| Tournaments | No | Yes (only option) | No | No |
| Mahjong Styles | American only | 4+ styles | American only | American only |
| Tutorials/Drills | Limited | Limited | Excellent | Yes |
| Works Offline | No | No | No | Yes |
| Mobile App | iOS + Android | iOS + Android | Browser only | iOS + Android |
| Price | Free (optional sub) | $49.95/yr | ~$60/year | $14.99 one-time |
| From | Mahjong Time team | 2004 (20+ years) | Newer | Newer |
How Online Mahjong Works
Browser-Based
I Love Mahj and Mahjong Time run in your web browser. No download needed - just create an account and play.
Real Players or Bots
Join public games with strangers, create private rooms for friends, or practice against computer opponents.
Current NMJL Card
All platforms update to the new NMJL card each spring. Your valid hands match what you'd play in person.