To play American Mahjong, you need a 152-tile set, four racks with pushers, a current card for each player, and two dice. Everything else is optional. Still, a few well-chosen accessories make every game quieter, more comfortable, and more pleasant to look at. Here are the ones worth owning, and what to look for in each.
A mat
If you add one thing, make it a mat. It softens the sound of shuffling, keeps tiles from sliding, and protects the table beneath.
What to look for:
- The right size for your table, covering the whole playing area
- A smooth, even surface that lets tiles move easily during the shuffle
- A color that contrasts with your tiles, so the walls and discards are easy to see
- Easy care. Look for a mat you can spot-clean, and one that rolls for storage rather than folding.
See our Mahjong mats.
Racks and pushers
Most American sets come with four racks, but they’re worth upgrading if yours don’t suit you. Racks keep your tiles hidden from view, and the attached pusher slides your section of the wall toward the center of the table.
Look for racks that:
- Hold tiles steadily at an easy reading angle
- Leave room on top for the groups you expose
- Have pushers that attach securely and slide smoothly
- Coordinate with your set and mat, if you love a matched table
See our racks and pushers.
A bag or case
A bag or case keeps your set together at home and protects it on the way to a friend’s game. Look for padding, a secure closure, and a fitted interior that stops tiles from knocking together. Think about what else you’ll carry, too: racks, dice, cards, and a scorepad. Our care guide has tips for storing and traveling with your set.
A card holder
You’ll check the card again and again during a game. A holder keeps it upright, at an easy angle, and safely away from spills. If small print is a challenge, pair it with the large-print edition of the card. The card itself changes every year and is ordered directly from the National Mah Jongg League, which offers both editions. Give each player a holder of their own, so no one has to lift the card off the table to read it.
Scoring essentials
- A small dish of quarters at each seat, if your table plays for coins
- Chips, if you’d rather not handle money
- A scorepad and pencil, for keeping track over a long evening
- A coin purse, so your quarters travel with you
Dice and a dice tray
Every game needs two dice, used to choose the dealer and to decide where the wall is broken. A small tray or shallow dish keeps them from tumbling into the walls, and a spare pair tucked in your case means you’re never caught without.
A soft cloth
A soft, lint-free cloth, ideally microfiber, is the humblest accessory and one of the most useful. Wipe the tiles after each game, before they go back in the case, and they’ll stay bright for years of play. Keep the cloth in the case with your tiles, so it’s always at hand when the last game ends.
Spare tiles
Some sets include spare jokers or blank tiles. Keep them in your case, separate from the 152 tiles you play with, so you’re ready if one ever goes missing. A quick count of your jokers and flowers after each game helps you notice a missing tile right away.
Comforts for the table
- A side table or tray beside each chair, so drinks stay away from the tiles
- Coasters for those side tables
- Soft, even light that doesn’t glare on the tiles
- Seat cushions for longer games
For a full layout, from the mat to the dice, see our Mahjong table setup guide.
Where to start
If you’re building your collection a piece at a time, a sensible order is:
- A mat, for the biggest everyday difference
- A soft cloth and a card holder, small things used at every game
- A bag or case, once you start playing away from home
- Upgraded racks and pushers, when you’re ready to match your table
A final thought
The best accessories are the ones you reach for every week. Choose pieces that work well and that you enjoy seeing on the table, in the dining room in winter or out on the porch on a long summer evening. Our first collection is coming soon; keep an eye on our Mahjong accessories page.
