Which American Mahjong Card Does Your Group Use?

The right American mahjong card is the one your group has agreed to use. Different publishers can offer different winning hands, even when the cards carry the same year. Choosing a card by colour or a familiar-looking cover is not enough.

Confirm three details

Ask for the publisher, edition and preferred print format. A message such as “Are we using this year's National Mah Jongg League card?” is much clearer than “Should I bring my mahjong card?” If the group uses another card, ask for its exact title and official source.

Check the lesson confirmation as well. A teacher may use a practice resource for demonstrations while expecting a different card for regular play.

Buy from an identifiable source

Use the publisher or a seller the publisher identifies as authorised. Check the item description before paying, including whether it is one card or a multipack. A listing date alone does not establish authenticity.

Do not assume that buying tiles includes the group's card. It is a separate line on your preparation checklist unless the kit explicitly states otherwise.

Keep older cards separate

Retain an old card if you enjoy revisiting it, but label its storage sleeve clearly. Agree on the edition before anyone builds a hand; discovering a mismatch after a win creates an avoidable disagreement.

Café Mahjong's beginner guide can help you organise the rest of your first session. For the card itself, use the publisher's current information. The goal is simple: everyone at the table should be reading the same game.

Further reading: National Mah Jongg League: cards and publications.