You're in early. This is American Mahjong — the real deal,
playable in your browser with no downloads.
This guide takes about 5 minutes and covers what the game is, how it works, and how to get the most out of your first few plays. Complete it to claim your founding badges.
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AMERICAN MAHJONG IN YOUR BROWSER
This is a full American Mahjong game — the version most people in the US grew up playing, using the official National Mah Jongg League card. Four players, 152 tiles, all the rules your mother-in-law insists on.
Nothing to install, nothing to update, no app store needed. Open a link and you're playing. Works on iPhone, Android, PC, Mac — even a tablet propped up on a kitchen table, which is honestly the correct way to play mahjong.
We use the current official 2026 NMJL card. You can open it any time during a game with the 2026 CARD button. During beta you can even mark hands you're aiming for — it tracks how close you are.
THE BASICS IF YOU'RE A LITTLE RUSTY
If you already know American Mahjong cold, skip ahead. If you need a quick refresher, here's the flow:
Each player gets 13 tiles. The dealer (East) gets 14 and discards first. The wall is broken by a dice roll — you'll see this happen automatically.
Before main play, players pass tiles they don't want — right, across, left. There's an optional second charleston and a courtesy pass. This is your chance to shape your hand.
In turn order: draw one tile, then discard one. After any discard, any player can call that tile to complete a set — but you have to be able to finish your whole hand with it.
Complete one of the hands on the card — exactly as printed. Call the last tile you need (or draw it yourself). Flowers and Jokers are wild for any matching set.
First time? Hit the ▶ HOW TO PLAY button on the main menu for a full 12-step interactive guide with visuals. Or just dive in solo — the bots are patient.
WHAT THAT MEANS FOR YOU
The game is real and fully playable. But we're still finding edges — that's why you're here. Here's what to expect:
See something broken? Use the ⚑ REPORT button on the main menu — it automatically attaches game context so we can find the issue fast. Your reports actually matter here.
YOUR FIRST SESSION
Hit SOLO PLAY from the main menu. Pick your bot speed. Slow bots give you time to think — perfect for your first few hands. There's no timer pressure.
The 2026 CARD button opens a scrollable reference of every hand. During a game, enable ASSIST mode — it highlights which hands you're closest to based on your current tiles.
Hit MULTIPLAYER, create a room, and share the code. Anyone can join — no account required for guests. Games are typically 20–40 minutes.
Hit ⚙ SETTINGS and scroll to Theme. Try MIDNIGHT for a dark moody vibe, or OCEAN if you like seafoam green. Themes change everything — tiles, background, mat, colors.
THE ROAD AHEAD
Here's where we're taking this. As a founding member, you'll see all of this first.
Full solo play vs bots · Real-time multiplayer · 2026 card with hand assist · 4 themes · Design Room (early access)
Skin Store — buy and equip creator-designed themes · Leaderboards · Friend system · Daily challenges + streaks
Badge collection — earn badges for milestones, wins, and challenges · Profile page visible to friends
Tournament mode · Seasonal events · Mobile app (PWA install available now) · More NMJL card years
Spectator mode · Game replay · Teaching mode for new players · Community card editor
Real tile sets, mats & accessories — once the digital game is stable, we're bringing the best creator designs to life as physical sets you can order and play with at the table.
Founding members will get priority access to new features, first invites to tournaments, and a permanent badge on their profile. You're not just a tester — you're part of the first wave.
WHAT WE'RE ASKING OF YOU
Use the ⚑ REPORT button whenever something looks wrong. Even small things — unexpected tile behavior, UI oddities, anything confusing. The report automatically includes your game state so we can reproduce it.
If you have to stop and think "wait, what do I do here?" — that's useful feedback. American Mahjong is complex; the UI should not add to that. Anything that felt unclear is worth reporting.
The game gets better with more players. If you know other mahjong players — especially ones who've been looking for an online version — invite them. The MULTIPLAYER room code makes it easy.
We're a tiny team. Bugs get fixed fast but not always immediately. We read every report and we're grateful for each one.
CLAIM YOUR FOUNDING BADGES
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Your account is active and your founding badges are locked in.
Head into the game and start playing.