Buying guide for best mahjong sets
Ready to buy now? Shop the best:
- Best of the Best: Yellow Mountain Imports American Mahjong Set, Mojave (Ivory), 166 Tiles With Wooden Racks and Pushers
- Best Bang for the Buck: Jongyance American Mahjong Set, 166 White Tiles, 4 Rack/Pushers, Pink Bag
- Best American Set for Gifting: Linda Li American Mahjong Set, 166 White Tiles, 4 Rack/Pushers, Blue Paisley Soft Bag
- Best Large-Tile Chinese Set: Mose Cafolo Chinese Mahjong Game Set, 144 X-Large White and Blue Tiles Plus 2 Spares
- Best for Pool Play: NORIRUN Floating Mahjong Tiles Set, 160 Foam American Tiles (Pink)
Mahjong may have been invented in the 1800s, but it remains one of the most popular strategy-based games today. In fact, it’s seen a huge uptick in popularity in recent years, with mahj-obsessed celebrities, such as Julia Roberts, Mindy Kaling and Reese Witherspoon, getting in on the classic game. Even luxury brands, like Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Tiffany & Co., have released collectible sets costing tens of thousands of dollars for those who want to show off their tiles.
If you’re ready to start playing, check out these fabulous mahjong sets that are perfect for beginners to experts. Our top pick, the Yellow Mountain Imports American Mahjong Set, stands out for its beautifully engraved tiles and wooden accessories that create a top-notch playing experience. It also comes with a durable case, so you can play on the go without losing any pieces.
Editors’ picks
Yellow Mountain Imports American Mahjong Set, Mojave (Ivory), 166 Tiles With Wooden Racks and Pushers
Editors’ Favorite
Game style: American (also playable with Chinese rules) | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.2” H x 0.9” W x 0.5” T | Tile color: Ivory | Accessories: 4 rack/pushers, scoring coins, dice, a wind indicator and a carrying case
If you want a premium American or Chinese mahjong playing experience, look no further than the Yellow Mountain Imports American Mahjong Set. All its components feature high-quality materials, but the tiles especially stand out. They’re made of durable, scratch-resistant melamine and beautifully engraved with Chinese characters, numbers and Roman letters. Their ivory color makes them easy to read, and their size and weight give them a nice feel in your hand.
The set also includes all the accessories required for American mahjong, so you can play as soon as you take it out of the box. The all-in-one pusher and racks are made of solid pine and magnetically attach for easy storage. The wind indicator is also made of wood and features a carved design that resembles a traditional Chinese coin. You also get a set of 141 pastel-colored scoring coins, a set of acrylic dice and an illustrated instruction book if you’re new to the game.
You can easily play on the go with this set, too. It comes with a lightweight nylon case that’s padded to protect all the game pieces. The top zipper keeps everything secure, and the inside pockets make it easy to organize everything. There are also pouches for the tiles and racks to keep them protected in transport and storage.
Jongyance American Mahjong Set, 166 White Tiles, 4 Rack/Pushers, Pink Bag
Great Value
Game style: American | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.2” H x 0.9” W x 0.5” T | Tile color: White | Accessories: 4 rack/pushers, 2 tile trays, 3 dice, a bettor, 100 money chips, 2 spare jokers, 4 blank spares and a travel bag
If you’ve just started playing American mahjong and don’t want to break the bank on your first game set, the Jongyance American Mahjong Set is a perfect starter option. It includes everything you need to play: tiles, all-in-one pushers and racks, dice and scoring chips. It also comes with a set of illustrated instructions to help beginners learn the rules and master playing strategies as you learn the game.
The set’s white tiles are made of sturdy, scratch-resistant melamine, and their designs are engraved, so you can play regularly without any signs of wear or tear. These colorful engravings and large size also make the tiles easy to read even for new players.
You won’t have any trouble storing it, thanks to its convenient pink case. It’s made of a lightweight but tear-resistant material and has a zippered top that keeps all the pieces contained. If you want to take the set to play at a friend’s house or on a road trip, the case also has sturdy shoulder straps for easy carrying.
Linda Li American Mahjong Set, 166 White Tiles, 4 Rack/Pushers, Blue Paisley Soft Bag
Best American Set for Gifting
Game style: American | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.18” H x 0.91” W x 0.5” T | Tile color: White | Accessories: 4 all-in-one pusher/racks, 3 dice, 100 money chips, a bettor and a travel bag
If you want a mahjong set that looks beautiful and is easy to play, the Linda Li American Mahjong Set definitely fits the bill. Like most high-quality sets, its tiles are made of melamine, so they’re durable and scratch-resistant. They also feature colorful, hand-painted engraved designs, so the printing is extremely clear and easy to read even in the middle of a heated game.
The set also comes with a soft, quilted bag for storage and travel. It features a beautiful blue-and-white paisley design and two sturdy shoulder straps, making it a breeze to carry from place to place. It also has a convenient zippered pocket inside to organize items and plenty of interior space for all the tiles and accessories.
That’s definitely helpful since the set includes everything you need to play American mahjong. You get colorful all-in-one pusher and rack combos that are easy to use and store, plus large dice, money chips and a bettor that fit easily inside the travel bag’s inside pocket. You don’t have to worry if you’re new to mahjong, either. The set comes with an instruction manual with full-color 3D graphics that make it easy to learn the rules.
Mose Cafolo Chinese Mahjong Game Set, 144 X-Large White and Blue Tiles Plus 2 Spares
Best Large-Tile Chinese Set
Game style: Chinese | Tile material: Melamine | Tile size: 1.5” H x 1.1” W x 0.83” T | Tile color: White and blue | Accessories: 2 spare tiles, 3 dice, a bettor/wind indicator, betting chips and a carrying case
If you enjoy playing Chinese-style mahjong, the Mose Cafolo Chinese Mahjong Game Set is a comprehensive but affordable option for beginners and experienced players alike. It’s an especially solid option if you have vision issues because it features extra-large tiles that measure nearly 1.5 inches tall. Not only are they easier to read, but they’re also easier to handle, making gameplay even more enjoyable.
You don’t have to worry about the tiles holding up to heavy play, either. Made of premium, food-grade melamine, they are scratch- and fade-resistant, so they’ll maintain their beautiful appearance from your first round on. They're also engraved with both Arabic numbers and Chinese characters, making it easier for beginners to learn the game.
In addition to the necessary dice, bettor and scoring chips, this set also includes a carrying case and trays to keep the tiles organized for storage. The case is very compact, too, so you can easily travel with the set or take it on family trips.
NORIRUN Floating Mahjong Tiles Set, 160 Foam American Tiles (Pink)
Best for Pool Play
Game style: American | Tile material: High-density foam | Tile size: 1.4” H x 1” W x 0.8” T | Tile color: Pink | Accessories: 4 dice and a storage bag
The NORIRUN Floating Mahjong Tiles Set offers a new twist on the classic mahjong game. Instead of playing at a table, you can play in the pool or even the ocean. That’s because its tiles are made of high-density foam that floats in the water, so you never have to hunt for them at the bottom of the pool.
The foam also makes the tiles extremely lightweight, so they're easy to handle around the water and toss in a bag to play on the go. The tiles don’t make the usual clacking sound of mahjong tiles if they’re knocked around, so gameplay is even more relaxed.
If you have a loved one who enjoys playing mahjong outdoors, this NORIRUN set makes a wonderful gift. It comes with a gift-ready box, dice and an instruction manual that can help beginners learn the game.
What is Mahjong?
Mahjong is a four-player tabletop game that uses 136 tiles in the set (although some newer versions use more tiles). Essentially, it’s a strategy game that also requires observation and a bit of luck as players attempt to make related sets of the different tiles. Like the card game gin rummy, Mahjong requires you to collect matching tiles or tiles in a consecutive run to win.
Mahjong sets are available in numerous different configurations. Although a traditional set has 136 tiles, other configurations may have more or fewer tiles. Here is a list of some of the more popular versions of Mahjong.
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Chinese classic: The classic Chinese game has 136 tiles, featuring 28 honor tiles.
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Hong Kong: This version also uses 136 tiles, but it has some different scoring rules from the Chinese classic version.
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Japanese: The Japanese version is a popular one, as many artists use this version to depict the game’s beauty. It’s also the version used in the vast majority of tournaments.
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Korean: Korean Mahjong only uses 104 tiles, and it has a version that allows for three players.
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Modern American: This game uses 152 tiles, adding some honor tiles, which allows for extra playing options.
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Taiwanese: With 144 tiles, the Taiwanese version has a few different playing rules than the Chinese classic version.
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Three-player: You’ll only use 110 tiles in the three-player version of Mahjong, which allows for fast play.
Of course, dozens of other versions exist. Even within the versions we’ve listed, sub-versions are available that use a different number of tiles or slightly different rules.
Some Mahjong sets will work for these different versions of the game after you remove a few tiles from play. So, if you want a specific version, read the product description carefully to ensure it matches your needs.
Features
Tile construction
A Mahjong tile consists of two parts. The white portion of the tile contains the character (occasionally, this portion is black). This is the front of the tile.
The back section of the tile consists of a colored section. This section gives the tile the depth required so it can stand upright, allowing the player to see the character easily.
Some people have a preference on the color of the back section. Green is a popular color, although transparent backs, glittered backs, and other colors are available.
Tile size
The size of the tiles in a mahjong set may not seem like a major detail, but it can significantly affect your game experience. Larger tiles are easier to read because their symbols and characters are larger, too. However, oversized tiles can feel bulky in your hand and can make it difficult to shuffle them and build walls during gameplay.
For many players, standard or midsize tiles measuring 1.2 to 1.3 inches wide usually work well. If you have vision issues, though, larger tiles that measure 1.5 to 1.8 inches wide are typically easier to read and recognize during a game. You can also find sets with smaller tiles that measure between 0.8 and 1.2 inches wide, which are ideal for travel.
Tile artwork
Beyond finding a Mahjong set that accommodates the style of game play you want, pay attention to the artwork, too. The characters and colors on the front of the Mahjong tiles are beautiful. However, they are all a little different. So if the aesthetics of the set are important to you, pay close attention to the characters and colors on the tiles.
Mahjong accessories
Racks: If you want to save a bit of money, you can choose thinner Mahjong tiles. These tiles will not stand upright on their own. For this type of set, you’ll need racks. Think of these like racks for Scrabble tiles. The racks hold the Mahjong tiles upright, allowing them to be built thinner.
Pushers: Some mahjong players, especially those who play with American rules, like to use a pusher to push their wall of tiles to the center of the table during a game. Many sets for American mahjong include all-in-one rack/pusher combos. The pushers are usually attached to the rack with a hinge or via magnets. Magnetic pushers may be easier to use because you can detach them for a greater range of motion as you push, but you don’t have to worry about losing hinged pushers since they’re attached.
Dice and scoring chips: All styles of mahjong require dice to determine who will be the dealer and other details during gameplay. Scoring chips help track play instead of having to keep score on paper. If you bet on your mahjong games, you can also use them for gambling stakes and convert them to money when you’re done playing.
Tile shuffler: A tile shuffler isn’t an essential accessory for mahjong, but it can make shuffling the tiles easier. It consists of a pair of paddles that you use to scoop, lift and move the tiles without using your hands.
Storage cases: Most mahjong sets include a storage case to keep all the tiles and accessories organized. However, the cases can vary greatly in design. Some traditional sets feature wooden cases, while others have simple envelope-style vinyl cases. Other sets come with a larger cloth carrying case with sturdy shoulder straps, making them ideal for travel. Some bags are even padded to protect the game pieces.
Mahjong set prices
Inexpensive
For $25 to $75, you’ll find Mahjong sets that consist of plastic tiles. They usually will be thinner in construction and have smaller tile faces. Some Mahjong sets will include items like dice, chips, and racks. These items allow for different types of games or can simplify game play, but they will add a little bit to the price of the set. (Nearly all Mahjong sets ship in a carrying case.)
Mid-range
More expensive Mahjong sets, which range between $75 and $200, may consist of bone, bamboo, or ivory tiles. These sets really aren’t made for beginners, as these materials may chip or warp if not cared for properly.
Expensive
More expensive sets that go for $200 and higher have amazing craftsmanship and may be collectors’ items. Some of these sets may cost as much as a few thousand dollars.
Tips
You can have more fun while playing Mahjong if you know a bit about the game. Here are a few tips that beginners can use.
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Sometimes, Mahjong is played for money. Before you sit down for a Mahjong tournament or game, always figure out ahead of time whether the game will be played for money. Mahjong occasionally does have a gambling aspect to it.
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Play a lot of games. The more you play Mahjong, the more you’ll learn. It helps to play with experienced players to gain more skill. You may lose quite a few games, but you can gain some key strategic knowledge.
- If you watch experienced players, the game moves quickly. It’s important to think fast and plan ahead to have more success. Games among beginners will move more slowly, though.
How we analyzed
While they may seem pretty similar, not all mahjong sets are created equal. To find the best sets, we analyzed customer reviews from several online retailers to see which ones provided the best playing experience. Specifically, we considered the tiles’ design, readability and feel in hand; how comprehensive the sets and the accessories they included were; how durable the components were and whether they were suitable for beginners, experienced players or both. Ultimately, we evaluated over a dozen mahjong sets and chose our top picks based on appearance, durability, accessories included and versatility.
FAQ
Q. Do I need to understand Chinese characters to play Mahjong?
A. Traditional Mahjong sets will have Chinese characters imprinted on the tiles. If you can recognize the difference among Chinese characters, you can use these tiles, even if you don’t understand Chinese. However, there are Mahjong sets that contain Arabic numerals and characters that are readable for those who don’t know Chinese.
Q. Are Mahjong tiles durable?
A. When made properly, these tiles are thick and made from sturdy materials. Modern Mahjong tiles consist of celluloid or other forms of plastic, although a few may be carved from animal bone. Original Mahjong tiles consisted of bone, using precise craftsmanship. They were almost works of art, and they were extremely durable. However, if you’re buying a cheap modern Mahjong set, the tiles may be extremely thin and may not stand up on their own.
Q. How do I know which version is best for me?
A. Mahjong is playable in dozens of different versions. Different cultures have altered the game’s rules and tiles over the years. The tiles may feature slightly different characters, and the honor tiles may change from version to version. If you’re looking to purchase a set that can work with many different versions, buy a game with extra tiles. You can then take some of the tiles out of play to accommodate certain versions. No set supports every Mahjong version, though.
Q. How do I choose a mahjong set for the version of play I want?
A. Start by matching the set to the rules you actually play, because Chinese, Japanese Riichi, and American mahjong all use different tile mixes and accessories. For example, the Linda Li American Mahjong Set and the Gustaria American Mahjong Game Set are designed around the American format. If you want a more traditional Chinese layout, a set like the MOSE CAFOLO Chinese Mahjong Set is a better fit.
Q. What features matter most if I want a set that is easy to learn and use?
A. Look for clear tile markings, a layout that matches your rule set, and accessories that reduce setup confusion. The MOSE CAFOLO Chinese Mahjong Set is a good example of a user-friendly Chinese-style set with extra-large tiles, while the Linda Li American Mahjong Set includes racks, pushers, and a quilted bag to keep everything organized. For beginners, simpler organization usually matters more than decorative extras.
Q. Do tile size and thickness really change how a mahjong set plays?
A. Yes, because thicker or larger tiles are easier to read and handle, while thinner tiles can be lighter and more compact but often need racks to stay upright. The Jongyance Blue American Mahjong Tile Set emphasizes durable tile construction, and the MOSE CAFOLO Chinese Mahjong Set uses extra-large tiles that can be easier on the eyes during longer sessions. If portability matters more, thinner sets may be easier to store, but they can be less self-supporting.
Q. What should I look for if I want a mahjong set that feels more premium or collectible?
A. Pay attention to tile artwork, back-color design, case quality and overall craftsmanship. The Yellow Mountain Imports Rouge Heritage Chinese Mahjong Set is a good example of a set that leans into a more refined presentation, while the GUSTARIA American Mahjong Game Set is geared toward a stylish look. Premium sets often cost more because of better finishes and more distinctive visual details, not just extra pieces.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair has written for BestReviews since 2017, covering home, kitchen and lifestyle-related topics. She has penned over 150 articles on topics like air fryers, vacuums and board games. She has played American mahjong for several years and is a fan of larger tiles that are easier to read.
