# How to choose a mahjong set

A set for American mahjong needs 152 tiles, including 8 jokers and 8 flowers, plus four racks and two dice. After that, look for clear numbers in the tile corners, a comfortable tile size, racks with pushers, and a case you can carry.

Sets are made for several styles of mahjong, so check a few things before you buy.

## Make sure it is an American set

This is the most important check. Sets made for Chinese or other styles usually have no jokers, and American mahjong can't be played without them.

- **8 jokers.** Count them in the listing or the photos. Some sets include a spare or two, which is fine.
- **8 flowers.** In American mahjong all flowers count as the same tile.
- **152 playing tiles.** Some sets list a higher total because they include spare blank tiles. Blanks aren't used in play.

Older sets were often made before 8 jokers became standard. If you inherit a vintage set, count the jokers before your first game.

## Numbers in the corners

Many American sets print a small number on each suit tile and a letter on each wind. These corner marks make the tiles much faster to read, especially Craks, which otherwise show a Chinese numeral.

Tiles: 3 Crak | 7 Crak | East | South. Read the corner: no need to learn the characters.

Corner numbers are a good choice for beginners, and for anyone whose eyes get tired by the end of the night.

## Tile size and weight

Tiles come in a range of sizes. Larger tiles are easier to read and to pick up. Very small travel sets save space but can be hard to read across the table.

Heavier tiles feel solid and stay put on the rack. They also make the case heavier to carry. If you host at home, weight matters less. If you travel to games, it matters more.

If you can, hold a few tiles before you buy, or read reviews that mention size and feel.

## Design and color

You will look at these tiles for hours, so pick a set you like. Tile art can be traditional or bright and modern. Joker designs vary the most.

Tiles: 5 Dot | 1 Bam | Joker. Look closely at the Dots, the 1 Bam bird and the jokers in photos. Those vary most between sets.

Check that the suits are easy to tell apart at a glance, the jokers stand out, and the colors are clear in normal room light.

## Racks and pushers

Each player needs a rack. It holds your tiles upright facing you, and many racks have a ledge on top for exposed sets.

- **Pushers** are arms attached to the rack that slide your wall toward the center of the table. They make setup tidy and save a lot of reaching.
- **Length.** The rack should be long enough to hold a 19-tile wall in front of it.
- **Card holders.** Some racks have a slot to stand your card up. It is useful, but you don't need it.

## Extras worth having

- Two dice. Most sets include them.
- A marker to show who is East.
- A mat or soft tablecloth to quiet the tiles.
- Coins or chips if your group keeps score that way.
- A card for each player.

## The case

Sets come in hard cases, soft bags or boxes. A hard case protects the tiles and keeps them in order. A soft bag is lighter for carrying. Check that the racks fit in the case too, if you plan to take the set to other people's homes.

## A quick checklist

| Check | Why |
| --- | --- |
| 8 jokers | Needed for American mahjong |
| 8 flowers | Part of many winning hands |
| Corner numbers | Easier to read and learn |
| 4 racks with pushers | Holds tiles and moves the wall |
| 2 dice | To break the wall |
| A case you can carry | If you travel to games |

Our [gear page](https://learnmahjongquick.com/gear) lists sets and accessories we would use ourselves. To learn what every tile means, see [mahjong tiles explained](https://learnmahjongquick.com/guides/mahjong-tiles).

## Questions

**How many jokers does an American mahjong set need?**

Eight. Sets made for other styles usually have none, so check the joker count before you buy.

**Can I use a Chinese mahjong set for American mahjong?**

Only if it has 8 jokers and 8 flowers. Most sets made for Chinese styles have no jokers.

**Do I need tiles with numbers in the corners?**

You can play without them, but corner numbers make the tiles much easier to read. They are a good choice for new players.

**What are pushers on a mahjong rack?**

Arms attached to the rack that slide your wall toward the center of the table. They keep the wall straight and save reaching.

Web version: https://learnmahjongquick.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-mahjong-set