Why this site exists

Mahjong Card Guide is an independent, reader-supported information site about American Mah Jongg as played under National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) rules.

We noticed that most beginner resources fall into two camps: official publications that assume you already know the game, or shallow listicles that get the rules wrong. This site is our attempt at a third camp — accurate, structured, and genuinely readable by someone who has never touched a tile.

What we cover

• The complete NMJL ruleset: the tile set, the Charleston, jokers, calling, and scoring.
• How to read the annual card — symbols, colors, categories, and X/C marks.
• The five building blocks of every hand: Pair, Pung, Kong, Quint, Sextet.
• The annual card cycle, including when the next card arrives.
• Free tools like the hand checker to practice the rules.

Our editorial standards

• Rules are sourced from the NMJL's published standards and established teaching references, and we aim to confirm details against the official card.
• We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the National Mah Jongg League.
• We correct errors when readers point them out. If you spot one, tell us.

This site is supported by advertising and, where relevant, affiliate links to products we believe serve players well — always disclosed, never influencing what we write.