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- 2–4 players
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- 7.2
American Mah Jongg
1937
Rules assistance for American Mah Jongg
Plain-language explanations of turns, card effects and disputed situations, with official source references and saved question history.
- 45 min
- 12+
- Complexity 2.8/5
Rules assistant for American Mah Jongg
What would you like to know?
Answers come from the official rulebook, with the page to check.
American Mah Jongg is a board game released in 1937 for 2–5 players, 45 minutes per game, and ages 12 and up. Its main mechanics are Set Collection.
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About the game
American Mah Jongg (or mahjong) is a rummy-like game for four players, a variant of the Chinese tile game (see separate entry). Players try to capture pairs, three of a kind, etc. by drawing tiles, aiming to complete hands listed in a scoring card. In the 1920s, when the Chinese game hit the United States, it became a popular fad. Interest faded, but many people continued to play. Many areas developed their own house rules and special hands. In 1937 Jewish women in NYC organized the National Mah Jongg League to standardize play and streamline the scoring system. Elements like Jokers and the Charleston, which were part of various card games, found their way into the game. Each year a Scoring Card of hands and rule changes is released. Alternatives to the NMJL cards are also published. As of 2026, the game is experiencing somewhat of a resurgence.
Editions
- Play American Mah Jongg!enCharles E. Tuttle Co.2010
- American Mah JonggenNational Mah Jongg League, Inc.1937
- American Mah Jonggen(Unknown)
Categories
Mechanics
Publishers
- (Unknown)
- National Mah Jongg League, Inc.
- Charles E. Tuttle Co.
Questions and answers
American Mah Jongg supports 2–5 players according to the catalogue. This range comes from the publisher’s listed player count, so the game can be set up for any group size within it. Some setups, rules and scoring details may still vary by player count, so check your edition’s rulebook for the exact configuration.
The listed playing time for American Mah Jongg is 45 minutes. This is the publisher’s estimate for a full game. The actual duration depends on the group, the player count and familiarity with the rules: first sessions usually run longer, while experienced groups often finish faster. Setup and teaching time are not included in this estimate.
The catalogue lists American Mah Jongg for ages 12 and up. This is the publisher’s recommendation and reflects reading demands, rule complexity and small components rather than theme alone. Younger players can often join with help from an adult, so check the age guidance on your edition and consider your group’s experience with board games.
American Mah Jongg has a complexity rating of 2.8 out of 5 from BoardGameGeek players, which makes it a medium-light game. The rating reflects how much rules knowledge, planning and decision-making a typical game demands. Expect a longer first teach for heavier games, and use a preparation guide before game night.
American Mah Jongg belongs to these categories: Abstract Strategy. Its main mechanics are Set Collection. Categories describe the theme and setting of a game, while mechanics describe what players actually do on their turns. Each mechanic links to a catalogue hub with similar games, which helps when you want something comparable.
The catalogue lists American Mah Jongg as a base game. It can be played on its own with the components in the box and does not require any other title. Expansions, if any exist, add new content or rules on top of it and are listed separately in the catalogue with a link back to this base game.