A few of my favorite things

Ready to build your dream Mahjong setup?

Here are the essentials you need to play American Mahjong:

Tiles

A full set with 152 tiles. Be sure the set you’re considering has 8 Jokers and 8 flowers. If there are extras (Jokers, flowers, blanks), you can set them aside.

Racks with Pushers

Each person playing needs a rack with a pusher to organize their tiles. Racks usually come in a set of 4, and can have magnetic or hinged pushers (I like both options).

Mat

Optional, but highly recommended, for smooth, quiet play and easy tile visibility. Plus, they can add a lot of style and sass to your Mahjong tablescape!

National Mah Jongg League Card

Used by all players to play a standardized Mahjong game. Have a current year’s NMJL card ready; you can also play with alternative cards if your group is so inclined.

use code MASTERYOURMAHJONG for discounts

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use code MASTERYOURMAHJONG for discounts ✶

Mahjong Tiles, Racks & Mats

There are many Mahjong brands out there, with options ranging from very economical starter sets on Amazon to heirloom-quality tiles from Crisloid - and just about everything in between. Over time, I’ve tested, handled, and played with a wide variety of products, and the brands listed here are my personally vetted favorites. They consistently deliver quality materials, thoughtful design, and attentive customer service.

You’ll notice that some brands offer a special discount when you use my code MASTERYOURMAHJONG (these are marked with a ٭). A quick note for transparency: If you choose to purchase using my affiliate code, I may earn a small commission - at no extra cost to you. I do not accept compensation for reviews, and I only recommend products I genuinely like, use, and feel confident sharing with my Mahjong community.

In short: these are things I truly love - and happily Mahj with.

The Essentials Smart, reliable, beautifully functional sets for beginners and connoisseurs alike.

  • If you’re looking for outstanding value without sacrificing quality, Gustaria is hard to beat. At around $35, this American Mahjong tile set punches well above its price point. The tiles are made from scratch-resistant melamine, with engraved, easy-to-read markings in a classic, traditional style. I’m especially partial to the ivory colorway - the tiles have a lovely tone and feel surprisingly good in hand. This set truly feels more expensive than it is, and I’ve seen tiles at triple the price that don’t deliver the same satisfying play experience. It’s my go-to set when I’m in the mood for traditional tiles, and the one I happily bring to open play, the beach, or the pool, where I want great quality without worrying about my higher-end sets.

  • Mahjongg Maven has been in business for over 28 years and is a true classic in the American Mahjong world. They’re known for consistently high-quality tiles, and my personal favorites are their extra-large engraved and hand-painted ivory tiles - this is my go-to set for traditional tile designs and for teaching. They also offer a beautiful collection of tiles with sparkly backs if you like a little extra flair on the table. Thanks to their timeless designs and reliable quality, Mahjongg Maven tiles are commonly used at tournaments. Overall, they’re a solid mid-range price point with craftsmanship you can feel the moment you pick up a tile.

    Use code MASTERYOURMAHJONG for 5% off.

The Signature Series Stylish, social sets with modern designs - ideal for adding flair to your table.

  • Peace Love Mahjong brings a playful, modern vibe to the Mahjong table with a mid-price range collection full of colorful, whimsical designs. My personal favorites are the Mod tiles, especially in the chartreuse and French blue colorways - they’re fresh, fun, and instantly brighten up a game. Beyond tiles, this brand is also a go-to resource for quality, well-priced wooden racks with magnetic pushers in many colors along with coordinating rack bags that are both practical and stylish. If you love Mahjong accessories that feel happy, modern, and thoughtfully designed, Peace Love Mahjong is a standout.

    Use code MASTERYOURMAHJONG for 10% off.

  • My Fair Mahjong is especially known for their destination-themed tile collections - think New York City, Texas, Scandinavian, and more - each with a distinct sense of place and personality. The tiles are well made and feel great in play, with the kind of weight and finish that makes a game feel extra satisfying. This is very much a modern-design brand, perfect if you’re looking to add something fresh to your collection or want your very first set to make a stylish statement. At a mid-range price point, My Fair Mahjong is a wonderful choice for players who love Mahjong with character. P.S. Check out their new collection of sparkly pusher add-ons!

    Use code MASTERYOURMAHJONG for 10% off.

  • Four Friends Mahjong lives by the motto “Have fun. Do good.” and it truly shows in everything they create. Their tiles feature modern, refreshingly unfussy designs, paired with thoughtfully designed storage systems that elevate the whole Mahjong experience. With numbered flowers, their tiles work beautifully for both American and Chinese play, and they’re expanding into other styles as well. What makes this brand especially meaningful is their commitment to giving back - 10% of net profits are donated to charity, so you’re supporting a good cause while building community at the table. And then there’s the Cat Tiles series, which I absolutely adore: Mouse Dragons? Yes. Kitty Jokers? Of course. It’s whimsical, joyful, and guaranteed to make you smile - this is one of those sets that simply deserves a place in your home.

    Use code MASTERYOURMAHJONG for 10% off.

The Collector’s Collection High design, statement tiles, and accessories.

  • Oh My Mahjong is that brand - the one everyone covets and instantly recognizes. Their designs are beautifully rooted in tradition while feeling fresh and modern, striking a balance that appeals to both classic and style-forward players. Their signature triple-layered tiles are a standout: slightly chunkier to accommodate the layered construction, yet incredibly comfortable in hand and absolutely stunning on the table. This is a higher-end brand, with pricing that reflects the elevated design, craftsmanship, and overall quality. If you’re looking for Mahjong tiles that turn heads and truly elevate the playing experience, Oh My Mahjong delivers on every level.