American vs Chinese mahjong sets: what’s the difference?
Last updated · by Mahjong Set Finder team · How we collect data
An American mahjong set includes jokers (8 used in play) and is usually sold as 160 or 166 tiles, often with four racks and pushers. A typical Chinese set has 136 or 144 tiles and no jokers, so it can’t be used for American (NMJL) play as sold. All 46 complete sets in our catalog are American-style; 46 list racks included.
Side-by-side
| American (NMJL-style) set | Chinese set | |
|---|---|---|
| Tiles in play | 152 | 136 or 144 |
| Typical retail count | 160 or 166 (with spares/blanks) | 136 or 144 |
| Jokers | Yes — 8 in play (10 in every catalog listing that states a count) | None |
| Flowers | 8 | Flowers/seasons in 144-tile sets |
| Racks & pushers | Common — 46 of 46 complete sets in our catalog list racks | Often not included |
| Rules | Annual card from the National Mah Jongg League | Fixed scoring rules; regional variants |
How to tell from a listing
- Look for jokers in the tile breakdown. No jokers means it is not an American set.
- Check the tile count: 160 or 166 is American; 144 or 136 is usually Chinese.
- Check for racks and pushers — American sets usually include four.
- Tile size matters for racks: see the rack size guide.
Lowest-priced American sets in our catalog
| Set | Price | Tiles | Jokers | Racks | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LEMY 166 Tiles American Mahjong Set w/ Soft Carrying Bag | $39.99 | 166 | 10 | Yes | Amazon |
| Travel Size American Mahjong Set, “Inkstone” - 166 Mini Melamine Tiles, Black Case, Acrylic Racks, Dice & Wind Indicator | $61.99 | 166 | 10 | Yes | Yellow Mountain Imports |
| C&H Solutions American Mah Jongg Complete Set, 166 Tiles with All-in-One Combo Rack | $62.99 | 166 | 10 | Yes | Amazon |
| Travel Size American Mahjong Set, “Celadon” - 166 Mini Melamine Tiles, Teal Green Case, Acrylic Racks, Dice & Wind Indicator | $62.99 | 166 | 10 | Yes | Yellow Mountain Imports |
| American Mahjong Set “Coffee” – Quilted PU Leather Bag, 166 Engraved Tiles | $79.99 | 166 | 10 | Yes | Amazon |
More: American sets under $100 · American mahjong rules overview.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play American mahjong with a Chinese mahjong set?
Not as sold. Chinese sets have no jokers, and American play uses 8. You would need to add jokers and racks.
How many tiles does a Chinese mahjong set have?
Usually 136 tiles, or 144 with flowers and seasons. An American game uses 152 tiles including 8 jokers.
Do American mahjong sets come with racks?
Most do: 46 of 46 complete sets in our catalog list racks included (as of 2026-10-30).
Related guides
- How many tiles are in an American mahjong set? — 152 tiles in play, why sets are sold as 160 or 166, and what our catalog listings include.
- Mahjong rack size guide — Rack lengths and tile sizes from real listings, in inches and millimetres.
- Best American mahjong sets under $100 — Every complete set and tile set under $100 in our catalog, including under $50.
- Melamine vs acrylic mahjong tiles — How the two tile materials compare on price and size across our catalog.
- All guides