If you’ve been curious about Mahjong but don’t know where to begin, you’re in the right place. Whether you're looking to join a weekly game night, learn with friends, or just want to finally understand what those beautiful tiles are all about — welcome to the world of mahj!
At Peace Love Mahjong, we believe that Mahjong is more than a game — it’s a vibe. A reason to gather, a way to connect, and let’s be honest… an excuse to collect really cute accessories.
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide to help you get started with confidence (and a little style).
So, What Is Mahjong?
Mahjong is a tile-based game played with four players, traditionally rooted in Chinese culture but wildly popular in American homes thanks to the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) rules. It’s part strategy, part memory, part luck — and all fun.
Basic Terms to Know:
- Pung = 3 identical tiles
- Kong = 4 identical tiles
- Quint = 5 identical tiles (used in special hands)
- Joker = Wild tile used in sets (but never in pairs!)
- Charleston = The name for the tile-passing portion at the start of the game
- Soap = Another name for the white dragon tile, often used as a "zero"
What You Need to Play:
To start your Mahjong journey, here’s what you’ll need:
- A full tile set (we’ve got you covered — our tiles are so cute)
- Racks & Pushers to hold your tiles
- Shufflers
- A playing mat
- A current NMJL score card (updated annually)
- Snacks, sparkle, and good vibes ✨
You can shop all of these right here — we’ve got curated bundles and styled sets to make it easy.
How the Game Works (Quick + Simple)
The goal? Build a complete hand of 14 tiles that matches one of the combinations on the official score card.
Players draw and discard tiles in turn, keeping an eye on their own hand while watching what others are collecting. Jokers help complete sets, and the Charleston helps you fine-tune your strategy before the action begins.
Want to Learn Hands-On?
We offer group beginner lessons at Where Dragons Play, our Dallas-based Mahjong studio. You’ll get 2.5 hours of hands-on instruction, sparkle drinks, and everything you need to start playing with confidence.
Book your lesson here.
The Mahjong Community Awaits
One of the best parts of Mahjong is the people you’ll meet — friends become chosen family around the table. Whether you’re playing weekly games or traveling with your new Mile High Mahj Club tile set, you're officially part of the club now.
Ready to dive in? We’re here to help every step of the way.
Peace, Love, Mahjong 💖
The PLM Team