American vs Chinese Mahjong: What's the Difference?

Both games use tiles, walls and discards, but American mahjong and Chinese mahjong play very differently.

1. Number of tiles

American sets have 152 tiles including 8 jokers. Chinese sets have 144 tiles and no jokers. See how many tiles are in a mahjong set.

2. Jokers

Jokers are the heart of American mahjong. They are wild in groups of three or more. Chinese mahjong has no jokers.

3. The Charleston

American players pass tiles to each other before play in the Charleston. Chinese mahjong has no Charleston.

4. The card of winning hands

American mahjong hands must match a card that changes every year. In Chinese mahjong, a winning hand is usually four sets and a pair, with scoring for special patterns.

5. Racks

American players use racks to hold their tiles and build the wall. Many Chinese players stand tiles directly on the table. Shop mahjong racks and pushers.

Which should you learn?

If your friends play American mahjong, learn that first. Our how to play mahjong guide covers the American rules.

Shop American mahjong sets.