How to Play American Mahjong with Kids

How to Play American Mahjong with Kids

Mahjong has always been more than a game — it’s a shared ritual of laughter, strategy, and connection.

While Chinese-style Mahjong remains the traditional foundation, American Mahjong has developed its own vibrant community and distinct rules built around the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card.

Many families who love American Mahjong want to share it with their children or grandchildren — but the card, the Joker rules, and the structure can feel overwhelming for young beginners.

The good news? You can absolutely teach American Mahjong to kids with a few fun adaptations.

And if you're looking for a way to learn both versions, Mahjong Together offers a Joker Add-On Tile Set — making it easy for families to adapt their set for American-style play while still enjoying the leveled learning of our Chinese-style game.

Here’s how to introduce American Mahjong to kids in a way that feels playful, simple, and full of joy.

 

🇺🇸 What Makes American Mahjong Different?

American Mahjong evolved after the game spread to the U.S. in the early 1900s.
 The National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) standardized the rules in 1937, and that version — colorful, community-driven, and card-based — is what most players in the U.S. know today.

Key Differences:

  • Uses 152 tiles (144 tiles with suits, honor, and bonus tiles plus 8 Joker tiles)

  • Requires the NMJL official yearly card

  • Sets often includes racks and pushers for tile set up

  • Gameplay revolves around completing hands listed on the annual card

For kids, this structured format can feel complex — but with friendly adjustments, they can learn the core patterns and mechanics through play.

 

🎣 Level 1: Start With “Mahjong Go Fish”

Level 1 of Mahjong Together’s leveled play system is the perfect entry point for kids, no matter the mahjong style of play. 

How to Play:

  1. Use the tiles indicated in our instruction guidebook. 

  2. Mix the tiles.

  3. Deal each player 5–7 tiles.

  4. Take turns asking:  “Do you have any Bamboo 3s?”

  5. If yes, take the tile. If not, “go fish” from the wall.

  6. Kids try to build matching pairs or sets of three.

This game teaches:

  • Suit recognition

  • Number recognition

  • Matching

  • Turn-taking

  • Confidence with the tiles

Option: add Joker tiles to practice using them to build sets.

 

🧠 2. Simplify the Scoring Card (and Use Kid-Friendly Versions)

The NMJL annual card can be hard for kids (and honestly many adults!) to understand.
 Instead of jumping straight into the official card, try kid-focused American Mahjong cards that are available online. Many creators design simplified, visual versions that make learning feel much more approachable for young beginners.

Here are a few places to get started (though we haven’t personally tested these products and recommend choosing what feels right for your family):

  • Etsy – Search “American Mahjong kids card” or “beginner mahjong card” for simplified, visual learning cards.

  • Pinterest – A surprising number of teachers and parents share printable kid-friendly Mahjong learning cards and matching activities.

These resources help kids understand the structure of American-style hands without feeling overwhelmed by the official scoring card. They’re a gentle step toward confidence — and a fun way to make learning collaborative and joyful.

You can introduce the annual NMJL card later once they feel comfortable.

 

🀄 3. Play Open-Handed to Teach Strategy

Instead of hiding tiles at first, let everyone play face-up. This turns the game into a shared puzzle and gives kids the ability to:

  • Watch how sets form

  • Ask questions

  • See why a Joker might be used

  • Understand why someone calls a discard

This cooperative learning style builds confidence and keeps the table energy light and fun.

 

🌏 Transitioning Between Versions

If your family plays American Mahjong but you also want to explore the traditional roots of the game, Mahjong Together offers a beautiful starting point.

Our set is designed for Chinese-style gameplay with:

  • Leveled learning

  • Wood tiles designed for little hands

  • Playful illustrations that support visual recognition

And for American-style players, the Joker Add-On Tile Set lets your family easily adapt the game for NMJL-style play.

You get the best of both worlds — cultural learning and the option to play the version many American families love.

 

🪷 Key Takeaways

  • American Mahjong uses more tiles and a yearly scoring card, but it can be adapted for kids.

  • Start with Mahjong Go Fish to build recognition and confidence.

  • Use simplified kid-friendly scoring cards (Etsy + online resources).

  • Open-hand teaching keeps the game fun and collaborative.

  • Mahjong Together can be adapted for American play with our Joker Add-On Tile Set, while also offering a beautiful entry point into classic mahjong learning.

 

✨ About Mahjong Together

Created by Bo & Mei, Mahjong Together is a family-friendly Mahjong set designed to help children, parents, and grandparents learn and play together. With leveled gameplay, durable wooden tiles, playful illustrations, and optional Joker tiles, it makes cultural connection hands-on, joyful, and lasting.

🀄 Learn more at boandmei.com

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