I Can’t Stop Playing Mahjong — Here’s Everything I Wish I Knew As a Beginner

This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our link, at no extra cost to you. See our disclosure here.

In the early 2000s, we played Bunco. Yes, the game was (and still is) addictive, but it also gave you the greatest excuse to gather all your friends, throw some dice, and win a few prizes. Fast forward a couple of decades, and a new game has set foot in the girls’ night game scene. Enter: American Mahjong.

Mahjong has captivated multiple generations, and it’s quickly become the most popular game to be played this year. I can confidently say that I’ve been playing for over two years now and am quite obsessed myself. From choosing which cute tiles to buy to investing in Mahjong lessons and starting your own Mahjong game night, there are so many things to consider.

If you want to start playing Mahjong, I’m sharing my top tips on what you need to get started and why it may be the best game to ever be created.

1. Learn from an Instructor

If you don’t take any other advice shared in this post, please take this one note: learning from an instructor will save you time and confusion when learning the game.

Mahjong can be overwhelming to learn as a beginner. Having an experienced instructor or teacher of the game is incredibly worth it. After a few hours of instruction, you’ll feel so confident playing.

You can find a Mahjong teacher near you, HERE.

2. After Learning How to Play, Keep Playing

An important thing to note is that after you learn how to play Mahjong, you need to keep playing. I recommend playing with a group the day after learning too. This will help reinforce everything you’ve learned, and you’ll start picking up on some strategy moves as well.

Pro tip: Waiting too long after learning will most likely set you back. You may forget key gameplay rules and setup instructions.

If you still need help remembering rules or the play of the game, don’t be afraid to reach out to your local Mahjong teacher again. After all, that’s what they are there for, and they should be more than happy to help.

3. Start with a Basic Set of Tiles

Starting out, I recommend buying a cheap set of Mahjong tiles. The designs and colors on the tiles are simpler to understand and get the hang of the game. I got my first set from Amazon. It was super affordable. I played with that set for over a year before purchasing other game materials.

4. Invite Friends That Enjoy Playing Games

Playing Mahjong is not for the faint of game-players. That’s why I recommend inviting friends who actually enjoy playing games to learn the game with you. This will make the game environment more lighthearted, and you’ll quickly find the people who stick around to play are the ones worth forming a Mahjong group with. They will be reliable and want to make Mahjong a weekly gathering.

5. If You Enjoy The Game, Invest In The New Products

After playing for some time, you’ll most likely find that you really do love the game and the community it brings. When you reach this point, it’s probably time to invest in some new game materials — like Mahjong tiles, mats, tile racks, and more.

When I upgraded my tiles, the game became so much more fun. Switching up the game materials makes the game feel official. Plus, there are so many adorable items to choose from — it’s always so hard to decide.

6. Schedule a Day to Play with Your Mahjong Group

Ready to make your Mahjong club official? Find a day of the week that works best for your friends and stay committed to playing. I love the idea of “Mahjong Mondays”, but equally love playing on evenings later in the week as well.

7. Hot Take: I Can’t Stand Playing with Blanks

I’ve found that many people are split on the idea of playing with blanks and not playing with blanks. The National Mahjong League’s rules do not include playing with blanks. I recently tried it out, and was not a fan. It made the game easier and, in turn, made me feel as if I was cheating my brain. 

If you enjoy playing with blanks, you continue to do you. My hot take is that I can’t stand playing with them.

How to Spice Up the Game

Play With a New Card

I almost always play with the National Mahjong League Card, but I was recently introduced to a couple of other playing cards that independent brands have started producing. I recently ordered The Big Card from The Mahjong Line. It’s been fun to play with and change up the game a bit.

Change Up Your Tiles

Ever since I’ve gotten a couple of new sets of tiles, it’s made the game more exciting. After playing a game or two with one set of tiles, we switch things up and play with the other set. I’ve found that doing this forces your brain to adjust to a new set of graphics on the tiles, while making the game feel fresh and new.

More Mahjong Accessories

Overall Thoughts About Mahjong

Mahjong has truly become one of my favorite games to ever play. Even after a long day at work, I can sit down with my friends, family, and neighbors and play the game. It’s become a new hobby that’s based on strategy and luck, which keeps me coming back to it.

In addition, I also feel like it’s brought a sense of community with a new group of people. I’ve been able to meet new people. The people who are a part of our regular Mahjong night are also equally invested in the game and love playing too.

My last thought: Take the leap and learn! It’s become my new favorite hobby and is a game that I’ll continue playing for years to come.