Frequently Asked Questions
Mahjong is a game with much complexity as well as many different variations which undoubtedly creates some confusion, especially for newbies to the game! Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about the American mahjong and Blue Tiger Mahj Club lessons.
What type of mahjong do you teach & play?
Blue Tiger Mahj Club primarily teaches and plays American mahjong utilizing the standard rules of the game as determined by the National Mah Jongg League. We play with the NMJL annual cards.
Original league members from 1937.
Photo from the National Mah Jongg League.
Do I need a tile set, cards, or any other supplies for a lesson or event?
All lessons and events organized with us include the use of all of our mahjong supplies and teaching materials - just come as you are!
(Some open play or league events will require you to bring your own NMJL card, however that will be clearly stated in the description for such events.)
Mahjong tiles from The Charleston Mahjong Club, Yacht Club tiles.
What do I need to supply if I am hosting a lesson?
For private lessons, the host provides the tables and chairs - I take care of the rest. For public events, come as you are and enjoy a fun evening of mahjong!
Typical mahjong game setup.
Where do I order the National Mah Jongg League Card?
Always order your National Mah Jongg League cards directly from the NMJL website. The NMJL is the group that has been around since 1937 and has worked to standardize the game. This is the card that makes American mahjong what it is in American culture today. You can order your card here (I recommend purchasing the larger sized card - trust me, you'll thank me later!)
The 2025 NMJL card with clear copyright statement (which is how you distinguish it as a legitimate card and not a fake)
Blank mahjong tiles.
What is the deal with blanks?
Many American mahjong tile sets come with blank tiles. The intended purpose for a blank tile is to serve as a replacement should you lose or break a tile so that your set can remain playable.
In recent years, a house rule (rules that do not follow the National Mah Jongg League rules) with blanks is to use them somewhat like jokers. The use of blanks changes the strategy of the game and makes it easier. Some players like to make the game easier - I always say: Your game, your way. Here at Blue Tiger Mahj Club we play by the National Mah Jongg League rules with the exception of special events at certain times of year where we introduce variations (house rules) to players. Whenever we deviate from the NMJL rules, we are sure to inform players that we are playing "house rules."