A mahjong night is one of the easiest gatherings to host: a few friends, a table, a set and something good to sip. Here's how to plan one, whether your guests are seasoned players or picking up tiles for the first time.
1. Plan your guest list in fours
American mahjong is played four to a table. Invite in multiples of four: four guests for one table, eight for two. If you end up with five, players can rotate in after each hand, which gives everyone a short break to refill a cup.
2. Set up the table
- A square or round table with room for four racks. A standard card table works, and so does a dining table.
- One complete set per table: 152 tiles, four racks with pushers, and dice. Not sure what you need? Here's what comes in an American mahjong set.
- A mat under the tiles keeps play quiet, stops tiles from sliding and protects your table. Our mahjong mats are 33 × 33 inches, roomy for four players.
- A current league card for every player. Ask guests to bring their own, or keep a few extras on hand.
- Good light. Players need to read small tiles across the table for hours.
3. Choose tile-friendly snacks
Greasy fingers and mahjong tiles don't mix. Serve food that's easy to eat between turns and keep it on a side table:
- Tea sandwiches, cut small
- Macarons, shortbread or small cookies
- Grapes, berries and cut fruit with picks
- Cheese cubes and crackers
Skip anything powdery, sticky or saucy, and set out napkins at every seat.
4. Pour something to sip
Tea is the classic pairing, and a pot keeps warm through several hands. A light black tea or jasmine green tea works for an afternoon game; switch to herbal for an evening one. Keep cups on saucers or coasters, away from the tile wall.
5. Make beginners feel welcome
- Play the first hand or two with racks turned so everyone can see each other's tiles and help.
- Walk through the Charleston slowly. It's the part new players find most confusing. Our beginner's guide and Learn to Play page explain it step by step.
- Print a quick reference for each seat. Join our list at the bottom of the homepage and we'll send our free play guides.
6. Decide how you'll keep score
Agree on scoring before the first hand. Many groups use chips, settle with small change, or simply play for bragging rights. Settle any house rules, such as whether you'll play a second Charleston, at the start too.
7. Make it a tradition
The best mahjong groups meet regularly: the same evening every week or two. Rotate hosting so everyone shares the setup, and you'll have a standing game night before you know it.
Need a set for your table? Browse our curated American mahjong sets, each inspected by our team before it ships. Hosting a fellow player? Our gift guide has ideas for hostess gifts too.