What Comes in an American Mahjong Set? Complete Checklist

Floral American Mahjong set arranged for a complete-set checklist

A complete shopping checklist prevents the most common first-set surprise: discovering on game night that an essential piece was never included. Use this guide to separate what is required for play from what is optional, annual, or simply convenient.

Essential: American Mahjong tiles

Look for Dots, Bams, Craks, Winds, Dragons, Flowers, and Jokers with clear markings. Product totals vary because manufacturers include different numbers of spare tiles. Moira’s current sets contain 160 tiles; 152 are used in standard play and eight are extras. A higher total is not automatically better—clarity and the correct distribution matter more.

Garden Muse American Mahjong tile set with floral designs
A complete tile family should remain easy to distinguish across all suits and honors.

Essential: the current annual card

American Mahjong hands change each year. Players normally use the current official card issued by the rule organization they follow. Because it is updated annually and purchased for individual use, it is commonly sold separately from tile sets.

Usually needed: four racks

Each player needs a rack to organize thirteen tiles, and many racks incorporate a pusher. If racks are not included, measure before buying. Tile height, depth, and width affect how comfortably pieces sit in the channel and how stable a wall feels.

Useful: pushers, mat, and storage

Pushers move the tile walls without reaching across the table. A mat reduces noise and protects both tiles and furniture. A structured case keeps a full set organized between games. These items improve the experience, but the exact combination is a personal choice.

Beige neoprene American Mahjong mat
A mat is optional, but it makes setup quieter and gives the table a defined playing surface.

Optional extras

Dice, bettor markers, wind indicators, score sheets, table covers, and replacement tiles can be useful depending on house rules and group habits. Beginners do not need to purchase every accessory before learning the turn sequence.

Before checkout: eight checks

  1. Confirm the listing says American Mahjong.
  2. Verify the tile count and Joker count.
  3. Check tile dimensions in millimeters.
  4. Confirm whether racks and pushers are included.
  5. Check whether a case or bag is included.
  6. Assume the annual card is separate unless stated otherwise.
  7. Read care instructions for acrylic, resin, or specialty materials.
  8. Review shipping timing and return terms.

A practical first setup

For most beginners, the simplest table-ready combination is a correct tile set, four compatible racks, the current annual card, and a comfortable playing surface. Add decorative or specialized accessories after you know what your group actually uses.

Moira sizing note: Moira’s standard American Mahjong tiles measure 22 × 32 × 15 mm. The Golf editions use a wider 35 × 25 × 11 mm format. Always check the specifications on the individual product page before ordering.

Continue with our beginner play guide and card-reading guide.