Short version: how to play American mahjong with three players, and Siamese Mahjong for two.

Mahjong mat, table cover, tablecloth or topper: the differences, what size table you need and how to set up your mahjong table.

A beginner learning plan for American mahjong: what to learn first, open practice games, common mistakes and what you need to start.

How to choose a mahjong bag or case: tile pouches, rack sleeves, totes and structured cases, plus what to measure before you buy.

How American mahjong scoring works: hand values from the card, who pays on a discard or self-pick, the jokerless double and a payout chart.

How to read a mahjong card for American Mahjong: what the colors, F, D, 0, N E W S, X and C mean, how hands are counted, plus a worked example.

How Jokers work in American Mahjong: where you can and can't use them, how to swap a Joker, discarded Jokers, jokerless hands and smart Joker tips.

How the Charleston works in American Mahjong: the pass order (right, across, left), the optional second Charleston, courtesy pass, blind passes and tips.

Learn how to play American Mahjong step by step: building the wall, the Charleston, calling tiles, Jokers and winning. Simple rules for beginners.

What mahjong racks and pushers do, how long your racks should be, acrylic vs wood, and what to check before you buy a set of four for American Mahjong.

Everything in an American Mahjong set, explained for beginners: tiles, Jokers, racks, dice and the card.

How to choose a mahjong mat: size, neoprene vs rubber, non-slip backing, storage and care, plus the best mahjong mats for 2026.