Care for your kit
Found an Inherited Mahjong Set? Check These Things First
Record the pieces, identify the likely variant and assess condition before cleaning, valuing or changing an inherited set.
An inherited mahjong set deserves a careful first look before cleaning or buying replacement parts. Preserve what you received while establishing which game it supports and whether the inventory is complete.
Document the whole set
Photograph the case, labels, accessories and every tile face in organised rows. Include the backs and any manufacturer marks. Keep booklets and handwritten notes; they may explain how the previous owner used the equipment.
Do not infer age, material or value from colour alone. “Vintage,” “hand-carved” and “ivory” are claims that require evidence, not descriptions to adopt from an enthusiastic comment.
Identify the intended game
Look at the tile inventory and accompanying references. Ask a knowledgeable teacher or specialist to help identify the likely variant. A set used decades ago may not contain the pieces required for your current American group.
Keep uncertain pieces together rather than discarding them as duplicates. Different games and older practices can explain unfamiliar extras.
Separate preservation from play
Check for damage and uneven backs before using the set. Avoid soaking, polishing or marking pieces while the material is unknown. If the set has sentimental or possible historical value, specialist advice is worth seeking before alteration.
You can keep an inherited set safely while learning with a modern one. Café Mahjong's American collection provides an alternative for regular play, but replacing equipment is not a reason to erase its history. Start with a record, an inventory and a clear understanding of what you have.