American Mahjong
Play American Mahjong online for free — Jokers, the Charleston and pattern-based hands against smart AI, right in your browser. No download needed.
Mahjong Rules Guide
Select your preferred variant and learn its unique rules
American Mahjong Rules
Joker tiles, Charleston exchange, Western innovation
OOverview
American Mahjong is regulated by the National Mahjong Jongg League (NMJL), incorporating Western innovations with annual pattern card updates.
TTiles
Uses 144 tiles: the standard 136 plus 8 flower/season tiles that act as Joker wildcards on this table. (Real American sets carry 152 tiles with 8 dedicated jokers.)
WWinning
Must match patterns on the annual NMJL pattern card. New cards are released each year adding variety.
SScoring
Uses fixed point values for different patterns. Using jokers reduces the score.
Special Rules
Special features: Joker tiles, Charleston exchange phase (players swap tiles at start), annual pattern card.
How to Play American Mahjong
The draw-and-discard core is the same as other variants, but American Mahjong adds three signature twists:
- 1
Run the Charleston
Before play begins, tiles are passed three times: first to the right, then across the table, then to the left — with an optional courtesy pass of up to three tiles to finish. The Charleston is the signature American opening.
- 2
Use your Jokers
Eight Joker tiles can stand in for any tile in a pung or kong — but never in a pair. Jokers can sit alongside the natural tiles of the same meld, and Jokers cannot be discarded.
- 3
Match the card
American hands are fixed patterns, traditionally the annual NMJL card. You cannot win on an arbitrary four-sets-and-a-pair shape — your hand must match a listed pattern.
- 4
Declare and verify
When your 14 tiles complete a listed pattern, declare Mahjong. Exposed sets and Jokers are checked against the pattern before the hand is scored.
American Mahjong Rules
Joker tiles, Charleston exchange, Western innovation
Overview
American Mahjong is regulated by the National Mahjong Jongg League (NMJL), incorporating Western innovations with annual pattern card updates.
Tiles
Uses 144 tiles: the standard 136 plus 8 flower/season tiles that act as Joker wildcards on this table. (Real American sets carry 152 tiles with 8 dedicated jokers.)
Winning
Must match patterns on the annual NMJL pattern card. New cards are released each year adding variety.
Scoring
Uses fixed point values for different patterns. Using jokers reduces the score.
Special Rules
Special features: Joker tiles, Charleston exchange phase (players swap tiles at start), annual pattern card.
In real life, American Mahjong follows the NMJL's annual pattern card, which changes every year. This game uses a simplified built-in hand set inspired by that structure, so you can learn the flow — Charleston, Jokers, pattern matching — without the printed card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
How is American Mahjong different from other Mahjong variants?
Three signature features: the Charleston opening exchange, eight wild Joker tiles, and pattern-based hands — you must match a listed hand pattern rather than any four sets plus a pair. Scoring uses fixed point values per pattern.
What is the NMJL card?
The National Mah Jongg League publishes a new card of standard hands every year — it is the rulebook of American Mahjong. This game ships a simplified built-in set of patterns inspired by that structure, so no printed card is needed here.
How many tiles does American Mahjong use?
152 tiles: the standard 144 plus 8 Jokers, which are wild and can substitute for any tile in a pung or kong. Using Jokers lowers the value of the hand.
Can I play American Mahjong here for free?
Yes — this page runs American Mahjong directly in your browser against AI opponents, with no download and no sign-up. The rules guide on the main Mahjong page covers all 9 variants.
Is American Mahjong good for beginners?
It is friendlier than it looks: the Charleston and Jokers actually help you assemble hands faster. Start with the How to Play section above, then use the rules guide to explore pattern hands.
