Buying guide for best mahjong sets
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As shameful as it feels to admit, my first game of mahjong was actually on the computer. But for as much fun and satisfaction as I got out of coming up with a winning hand when playing on my laptop, nothing can match the feel — and the sounds! — of playing with an actual mahjong set. (The click of the tiles knocking against one another may be my favorite ASMR trigger.)
Even after several years of playing, I may not be a mahjong master, but let me tell you, I know exactly what a difference the right mahjong set can make in your playing experience. My favorite set doesn't just feature stunning, hand-painted characters and designs; the tiles have the perfect weight in hand, so playing with them is such a treat.
Mahjong is a game rich in tradition. It is one of the oldest board games still played today, and it offers a great mix of fun and strategy. The Chinese-style game is the classic version, but you can also play by Japanese or American rules. Each style requires a different game set because the tiles and accessories vary.
At BestReviews, we've researched dozens of mahjong sets to help us find the best, and the Linda Li American Mahjong Set tops our list. It contains everything you need to play American-style mahjong, including beautiful but sturdy tiles, racks and pushers. It even includes a quilted bag to keep your game set organized.
Editors’ picks
Linda Li American Mahjong Set
Editors’ Favorite
Game style: American | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.2” H x 0.9” W x 0.5” T | Tile color: White | Accessories: 4 rack/pushers, 3 dice, 1 bettor, 100 money chips, 2 spare jokers, 4 blank spares and a zippered case
The Linda Li American Mahjong Set is a comprehensive set, perfect for both new players and experienced players alike. It contains 166 high-quality melamine tiles that fit the Western mahjong game. The tiles are scratch-resistant, so they’re highly durable and resist color fading even during regular gameplay.
The set also includes all-in-one pushers and racks, where you can place the tiles during games and store them afterward. It also comes with the dice and wind indicator you need to pick who goes first and help track play during games, so you can start playing as soon as you take the set out of the box.
If you like to take your game on the go, this set has you covered there, too. It comes with a lightweight, quilted carrying case that features an attractive blue paisley pattern. It’s tear-resistant and features durable straps that make it easy to carry on your shoulder.
Gustaria American Mahjong Game Set
Great Value
Game style: American | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.2” H x 0.9” W x 0.5” T | Tile color: White | Accessories: 4 rack/pushers, 3 dice, 100 money chips, 2 spare jokers, 4 blank spares and a zippered case
If you’re looking for a nice set under $100, the Gustaria American Mahjong Game Set gives you all the essentials for the game without breaking the bank. It contains melamine tiles hand-painted and engraved with the characters and symbols used in American mahjong. The tiles are scratch- and fade-resistant, too, so you can play regularly without worrying about wear and tear.
Because it’s designed for American mahjong, the set comes with pushers, racks, money chips, dice and more. It also has comprehensive gameplay instructions, making it an ideal choice if you’re new to Chinese mahjong.
You can take the game anywhere, too, thanks to its travel-ready case. Quilted with an elegant design, the case comes in a dozen different colors and has a zippered pocket inside to carry small items you want to keep handy.
Jongyance Blue American Mahjong Tile Set
Best Ready-to-Play American Set for Beginners
Game style: American | Tile material: Acrylic | Tile size: 1.4” H x 0.98” W x 0.47” T | Tile color: Blue | Accessories: 3 dice, 100 money chips, a bettor, 6 blank spare tiles and a carrying bag
The Jongyance Blue American Mahjong Tile Set is a beautiful, high-quality mahjong set that’s ready to play right out of the box. It features tiles made of dual-layer acrylic with a blue-and-white design. They have a smooth finish that gives them a satisfying feel in hand during play and makes them easy to clean.
This set’s tiles are slightly larger than standard tiles, too, and the engraved characters are extremely vibrant and resist fading, so they’re extremely easy to read, even if you have vision issues. In addition to the tiles, the set also comes with dice, money chips and a bettor to help track play during games, so you can start a game right away.
If you’re new to mahjong, you also get a guide to help you learn the basics, as well as four reference cards that are easy for players to consult during play. It also comes with a printed carrying bag, so you’re ready to take the game on the go.
Gustaria American Mahjong Game Set, 166 Tiles
Best Colored-Tile American Set
Game style: American | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.2” H x 0.9” W x 0.5” T | Tile color: Pink | Accessories: 4 rack/pushers, 3 dice, 1 wind indicator, 4 blank spare tiles and a zippered carrying case
If you’re a fan of the color pink, the Gustaria American Mahjong Game Set is definitely for you. It features premium melamine tiles that are highly durable and fade-resistant, all of which feature a pink back. The set also includes a carrying case with a beautiful pink paisley print, a zippered closure and sturdy shoulder straps, so you can take your game on road trips, parties and other family events.
The tiles are all precisely engraved with colorful, vibrant markings. As a result, they are extremely clear and easy to read, which helps make gameplay smoother and faster.
This set contains everything you need for American-style gameplay, too. It comes with four all-in-one pusher-and-rack combos in different color for each player. You also get dice, money chips, a wind indicator and beginner-friendly instructions. All the accessories fit neatly in the carrying case’s inner pocket, too, making it easy to keep track of all the pieces.
ZGME American Mahjong Set
Best Complete American Set Under $65
Game style: American | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.2” H x 0.9” W x 0.5” T | Tile color: White | Accessories: 4 rack/pushers, 3 dice, 100 money chips, a bettor, 4 blank spare tiles and a carrying case
The ZGME American Mahjong Set makes it easy to play Western-style mahjong even if you’re on a budget. It contains everything you need to play, including four rack/pusher combos, dice, money chips and a bettor. The rack combos come in four transparent colors to help distinguish each player. The set also offers a playing manual that explains the rules of the game in simple terms, making it ideal for beginners.
The tiles are made of durable, high-quality melamine, so they are scratch- and fade-resistant. The characters and symbols are all clearly and vibrantly engraved, too, which makes them easy to recognize during gameplay.
It also includes a lightweight carrying bag that makes it easy to store all your game accessories. This zippered bag also lets you take the game on the go, featuring heavy-duty shoulder straps and a zippered internal pocket for the accessories. You can choose from three different bag colors and patterns, too.
Yellow Mountain Imports Rouge Heritage Chinese Mahjong Set
Best Chinese Mahjong Set
Game style: Chinese | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.3” H x 1” W x 0.8” T | Tile color: Green | Accessories: 3 dice, a wind indicator and a vinyl case
The Yellow Mountain Imports Rouge Heritage Chinese Mahjong Set is a high-quality, comprehensive mahjong set if you prefer to play by traditional Chinese rules. It features durable melamine tiles with green bamboo grain stripes for a classic look. The tiles are engraved and hand-painted, featuring bright, colorful paint that doesn’t rub off even with repeated use. They are scratch-resistant, too, so you can trust that they’ll last through years of playing.
The tiles are also medium-sized, which makes their characters and symbols easy to read during gameplay. They have a good weight and smooth feel in hand, too, so they provide an enjoyable playing experience. The set also includes everything else you need to play Chinese mahjong, so it comes with three dice and a wind indicator for deciding who goes first.
The entire set weighs under 10 pounds and fits inside a compact vinyl case. That makes it easy to take your game on the go and store it safely without losing any of the pieces.
Yellow Mountain Imports American Mahjong Set, Mojave (Ivory)
Best Mid-Range Set With Wooden Racks
Game style: American (also playable with Chinese rules) | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.2” H x 0.9” W x 0.5” T | Tile color: Ivory | Accessories: 4 rack/pushers, scoring coins, dice, a wind indicator and a carrying case
The Yellow Mountain Imports American Mahjong Set, Mojave is a premium set for American-style mahjong. Its engraved tiles are made of durable, scratch-resistant melamine, so they hold up well to heavy gameplay. The material is very dense, too, so they have a nice weight in hand when playing.
The set also includes four all-in-one racks with pushers. These racks are made of solid pine, giving them a more durable and attractive design than the usual plastic rack/pusher combos. The pushers are magnetically attached to the racks, too, so you can build walls that secure them for storage.
You also get a traditional-looking wooden wind indicator for deciding who goes first, pastel-colored scoring coins, a set of acrylic dice and a fully illustrated instruction manual. The set is the most versatile on our list, too, allowing you to play Chinese mahjong in addition to American. Its padded nylon case makes it easy to keep track of all the game’s components and even lets you take it on the go.
Mose Cafolo Chinese Mahjong Set
Easy to Read
Game style: Chinese | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.4” T x 1.1” W x 0.9” T | Tile color: Green | Accessories: 3 dice, a bettor/wind indicator, colored chips, 2 spare blank tiles and a carrying case
If you play Chinese mahjong and want a set that’s easy to read, the Mose Cafolo Chinese Mahjong Set is the perfect choice. Designed for professional players, it features slightly oversized tiles that are not only easier to read but also easier to handle. They’re made of premium, food-grade melamine, so they are highly durable and allow for years of use without any fading or discoloration.
The set includes 144 tiles: 36 circles, 36 characters, 12 dragons in red, green and white, 16 winds in North, East, South and West and eight flowers and seasons. These tiles, along with the three dice, a wind indicator for tracking gameplay and colored betting chips, allow you to play authentic Chinese mahjong. It comes with clear instructions written in English, though, so it’s perfect for both beginners and expert players.
Storing and organizing your set is easy, too, thanks to the included carrying case. It also means you can bring the game wherever you like to play with family and friends. The case even features a decorative dragon pattern on the exterior, which symbolizes good luck and fortune.
Nova Microdermabrasion American Mahjong Set, Red Soft Bag
Best Budget Set for Casual Play
Game style: American | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.2” L x 0.9” W x 0.5” T | Tile color: White | Accessories: 4 rack/pushers, 4 blank spare tiles, 3 dice, a wind indicator, 100 money chips and a carrying case
The Nova Microdermabrasion American Mahjong Set is an excellent set for casual mahjong players, but don’t let its affordable price fool you. It contains everything you need to play by American rules. In addition to the tiles, the set comes with four all-in-one pushers and tile racks, which have clear plastic lids that let you keep the tiles secure when traveling. It also includes dice, a wind indicator and money chips, so you’re ready to play right away.
The set’s tiles are made of heavy, scratch-resistant melamine, which makes them very durable. They also have a good weight in hand, providing a more enjoyable playing experience. Their characters are extremely clear, too, so they’re easy to read and recognize even for beginners.
You also get a padded carrying bag for the game set. It’s extremely lightweight and features a two-way zipper for easy access to the tiles. It even has an inside zippered pocket for the accessories and straps for carrying it on your shoulder.
RYKZO American Mahjong Set with Shufflers and Scorebook
Includes Tile Shufflers
Game style: American | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.2” L x 0.9” W x 0.5” T | Tile color: Ivory | Accessories: 4 rack/pushers, 2 tile shufflers, 60 scoring chips, wind indicator and a storage bag
The RYKZO American Mahjong Set is an ideal option if you want to learn American mahjong or improve your skills. It features four sturdy racks with built-in pushers, making it easy to move the tiles around and keep the table organized during play. It also includes two tile shufflers for quickly and evenly mixing face-down tiles to get ready for a game, plus a QR code for access to a digital rulebook and a scorebook with space to track up to 800 games.
The set’s tiles are made of durable ivory melamine and feature rounded edges and polished surfaces. They feel very smooth in hand during play and hold up well for weekly games. Their characters and symbols are engraved, too, offering extremely clear details and bright markings that make them easy to recognize even in the heat of a game.
Traveling with the set is also easy. It comes with a padded bag and a velvet rack organizer that has internal dividers to keep the tiles and other accessories together for storage. It also keeps them secure when you’re on the go.
What is Mahjong?
Mahjong is a four-player tabletop game that uses 136 tiles in the set (although some newer versions use more tiles). Essentially, it’s a strategy game that also requires observation and a bit of luck as players attempt to make related sets of the different tiles. Like the card game gin rummy, Mahjong requires you to collect matching tiles or tiles in a consecutive run to win.
Mahjong sets are available in numerous different configurations. Although a traditional set has 136 tiles, other configurations may have more or fewer tiles. Here is a list of some of the more popular versions of Mahjong.
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Chinese classic: The classic Chinese game has 136 tiles, featuring 28 honor tiles.
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Hong Kong: This version also uses 136 tiles, but it has some different scoring rules from the Chinese classic version.
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Japanese: The Japanese version is a popular one, as many artists use this version to depict the game’s beauty. It’s also the version used in the vast majority of tournaments.
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Korean: Korean Mahjong only uses 104 tiles, and it has a version that allows for three players.
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Modern American: This game uses 152 tiles, adding some honor tiles, which allows for extra playing options.
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Taiwanese: With 144 tiles, the Taiwanese version has a few different playing rules than the Chinese classic version.
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Three-player: You’ll only use 110 tiles in the three-player version of Mahjong, which allows for fast play.
Of course, dozens of other versions exist. Even within the versions we’ve listed, sub-versions are available that use a different number of tiles or slightly different rules.
Some Mahjong sets will work for these different versions of the game after you remove a few tiles from play. So, if you want a specific version, read the product description carefully to ensure it matches your needs.
Features
Tile construction
A Mahjong tile consists of two parts. The white portion of the tile contains the character (occasionally, this portion is black). This is the front of the tile.
The back section of the tile consists of a colored section. This section gives the tile the depth required so it can stand upright, allowing the player to see the character easily.
Some people have a preference on the color of the back section. Green is a popular color, although transparent backs, glittered backs, and other colors are available.
Tile size
The size of the tiles in a mahjong set may not seem like a major detail, but it can significantly affect your game experience. Larger tiles are easier to read because their symbols and characters are larger, too. However, oversized tiles can feel bulky in your hand and can make it difficult to shuffle them and build walls during gameplay.
For many players, standard or midsize tiles measuring 1.2 to 1.3 inches wide usually work well. If you have vision issues, though, larger tiles that measure 1.5 to 1.8 inches wide are typically easier to read and recognize during a game. You can also find sets with smaller tiles that measure between 0.8 and 1.2 inches wide, which are ideal for travel.
Tile artwork
Beyond finding a Mahjong set that accommodates the style of game play you want, pay attention to the artwork, too. The characters and colors on the front of the Mahjong tiles are beautiful. However, they are all a little different. So if the aesthetics of the set are important to you, pay close attention to the characters and colors on the tiles.
Mahjong accessories
Racks: If you want to save a bit of money, you can choose thinner Mahjong tiles. These tiles will not stand upright on their own. For this type of set, you’ll need racks. Think of these like racks for Scrabble tiles. The racks hold the Mahjong tiles upright, allowing them to be built thinner.
Pushers: Some mahjong players, especially those who play with American rules, like to use a pusher to push their wall of tiles to the center of the table during a game. Many sets for American mahjong include all-in-one rack/pusher combos. The pushers are usually attached to the rack with a hinge or via magnets. Magnetic pushers may be easier to use because you can detach them for a greater range of motion as you push, but you don’t have to worry about losing hinged pushers since they’re attached.
Dice and scoring chips: All styles of mahjong require dice to determine who will be the dealer and other details during gameplay. Scoring chips help track play instead of having to keep score on paper. If you bet on your mahjong games, you can also use them for gambling stakes and convert them to money when you’re done playing.
Tile shuffler: A tile shuffler isn’t an essential accessory for mahjong, but it can make shuffling the tiles easier. It consists of a pair of paddles that you use to scoop, lift and move the tiles without using your hands.
Storage cases: Most mahjong sets include a storage case to keep all the tiles and accessories organized. However, the cases can vary greatly in design. Some traditional sets feature wooden cases, while others have simple envelope-style vinyl cases. Other sets come with a larger cloth carrying case with sturdy shoulder straps, making them ideal for travel. Some bags are even padded to protect the game pieces.
Mahjong set prices
Inexpensive
For $25 to $75, you’ll find Mahjong sets that consist of plastic tiles. They usually will be thinner in construction and have smaller tile faces. Some Mahjong sets will include items like dice, chips, and racks. These items allow for different types of games or can simplify game play, but they will add a little bit to the price of the set. (Nearly all Mahjong sets ship in a carrying case.)
Mid-range
More expensive Mahjong sets, which range between $75 and $200, may consist of bone, bamboo, or ivory tiles. These sets really aren’t made for beginners, as these materials may chip or warp if not cared for properly.
Expensive
More expensive sets that go for $200 and higher have amazing craftsmanship and may be collectors’ items. Some of these sets may cost as much as a few thousand dollars.
Tips
You can have more fun while playing Mahjong if you know a bit about the game. Here are a few tips that beginners can use.
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Sometimes, Mahjong is played for money. Before you sit down for a Mahjong tournament or game, always figure out ahead of time whether the game will be played for money. Mahjong occasionally does have a gambling aspect to it.
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Play a lot of games. The more you play Mahjong, the more you’ll learn. It helps to play with experienced players to gain more skill. You may lose quite a few games, but you can gain some key strategic knowledge.
- If you watch experienced players, the game moves quickly. It’s important to think fast and plan ahead to have more success. Games among beginners will move more slowly, though.
How we analyzed
While they may seem pretty similar, not all mahjong sets are created equal. To find the best sets, we analyzed customer reviews from several online retailers to see which ones provided the best playing experience. Specifically, we considered the tiles’ design, readability and feel in hand; how comprehensive the sets and the accessories they included were; how durable the components were and whether they were suitable for beginners, experienced players or both. Ultimately, we evaluated over a dozen mahjong sets and chose our top picks based on appearance, durability, accessories included and versatility.
FAQ
Q. Do I need to understand Chinese characters to play Mahjong?
A. Traditional Mahjong sets will have Chinese characters imprinted on the tiles. If you can recognize the difference among Chinese characters, you can use these tiles, even if you don’t understand Chinese. However, there are Mahjong sets that contain Arabic numerals and characters that are readable for those who don’t know Chinese.
Q. Are Mahjong tiles durable?
A. When made properly, these tiles are thick and made from sturdy materials. Modern Mahjong tiles consist of celluloid or other forms of plastic, although a few may be carved from animal bone. Original Mahjong tiles consisted of bone, using precise craftsmanship. They were almost works of art, and they were extremely durable. However, if you’re buying a cheap modern Mahjong set, the tiles may be extremely thin and may not stand up on their own.
Q. How do I know which version is best for me?
A. Mahjong is playable in dozens of different versions. Different cultures have altered the game’s rules and tiles over the years. The tiles may feature slightly different characters, and the honor tiles may change from version to version. If you’re looking to purchase a set that can work with many different versions, buy a game with extra tiles. You can then take some of the tiles out of play to accommodate certain versions. No set supports every Mahjong version, though.
Q. How do I choose a mahjong set for the version of play I want?
A. Start by matching the set to the rules you actually play, because Chinese, Japanese Riichi, and American mahjong all use different tile mixes and accessories. For example, the Linda Li American Mahjong Set and the Gustaria American Mahjong Game Set are designed around the American format. If you want a more traditional Chinese layout, a set like the MOSE CAFOLO Chinese Mahjong Set is a better fit.
Q. What features matter most if I want a set that is easy to learn and use?
A. Look for clear tile markings, a layout that matches your rule set, and accessories that reduce setup confusion. The MOSE CAFOLO Chinese Mahjong Set is a good example of a user-friendly Chinese-style set with extra-large tiles, while the Linda Li American Mahjong Set includes racks, pushers, and a quilted bag to keep everything organized. For beginners, simpler organization usually matters more than decorative extras.
Q. Do tile size and thickness really change how a mahjong set plays?
A. Yes, because thicker or larger tiles are easier to read and handle, while thinner tiles can be lighter and more compact but often need racks to stay upright. The Jongyance Blue American Mahjong Tile Set emphasizes durable tile construction, and the MOSE CAFOLO Chinese Mahjong Set uses extra-large tiles that can be easier on the eyes during longer sessions. If portability matters more, thinner sets may be easier to store, but they can be less self-supporting.
Q. What should I look for if I want a mahjong set that feels more premium or collectible?
A. Pay attention to tile artwork, back-color design, case quality and overall craftsmanship. The Yellow Mountain Imports Rouge Heritage Chinese Mahjong Set is a good example of a set that leans into a more refined presentation, while the GUSTARIA American Mahjong Game Set is geared toward a stylish look. Premium sets often cost more because of better finishes and more distinctive visual details, not just extra pieces.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair has written for BestReviews since 2017, covering home, kitchen and lifestyle-related topics. She has penned over 150 articles on topics like air fryers, vacuums and board games. She has played American mahjong for several years and is a fan of larger tiles that are easier to read.
