Mahjong gear

Make sure the set says American mahjong. You need 8 jokers. Most Chinese styles don't use jokers, so their sets usually have none.

You play with 152 tiles. Many American sets come with more, often 166, and the extras are blank or spare tiles you can keep in case one goes missing.

Tiles with numbers and letters in the corners are much easier to read, especially for new players. Heavier, thicker tiles feel nice and stay put on the table, but they make the case heavier to carry.

Each player needs a rack. It holds your tiles upright so only you can see them, and it gives you a ledge for exposed sets.

Pushers are arms on the rack that push your part of the wall toward the middle. They save time and keep the wall straight.

If you buy racks on their own, check that they fit your tile size. Large tiles may not sit well on a small rack.

A mat makes the game quieter, protects the table and makes tiles easier to pick up.

Measure your table before you buy. A standard card table is about 34 inches square, and a mat that hangs over the edge gets in the way.

East rolls two dice to choose where to break the wall, so you need a pair. Most sets include them, but small dice get lost.

A wind indicator, or East marker, shows who is East. Pass it to the right after each hand so no one has to remember.

Every player needs a card to check their hand against. Most groups buy a new official card each year, and every player at the table should use the same one.

Our House Card is free to print for you and your group. A card holder keeps the card upright next to your rack, so you can read it without picking it up.

A full set with racks is heavy. If you carry it to other homes, a good case matters as much as the tiles.

Hard cases protect tiles best. Soft bags are lighter and easier to store. Look for a separate place for the racks so they don't scratch the tiles.

Good light matters. Tiles are small and the card print is smaller, so put a lamp near the table.

A folding card table seats four and puts away after. Keep food and drinks off the playing table. Small side tables or snack trays next to each chair work well.

Some groups play for small change. A dish for coins or a set of chips keeps it simple.