We researched the best mahjong sets for every variation, considering the number and material of the tiles, age range, portability, and included accessories of each. Our favorites include the Yellow Mountain Imports Professional Chinese Mahjong Game Set for traditional play and the ever popular American Mahjong Set by Linda Li. Here, the best mahjong sets on the market. Within this mahjong set, you’ll get 146 sturdy tiles made from scratch-resistant, lightweight melamine as well as dice and a wind indicator. This bundles in a small vinyl case, making this a great portable option for games on the go. Users love the high quality and sturdiness of the pieces, ensuring this set will last for a long time. The characters are etched into the tiles, so you don’t have to worry about them rubbing off, further adding to the longevity. The storage case has a handle for easy transport and keeps all of the pieces stored and organized easily and efficiently. Note: You’ll need to purchase racks and pushers separately. Price at time of publish: $69 This set also includes double-purpose racks and pushers as well as dice, a bettor, and money chips. The whole set is designed for easy transport with tile trays that include lids, quilt wrappers for trays and pushers, and a printed carrying case that comes in various styles. Plus, if you’re relatively new to the game, you’ll appreciate the instructional booklet, which contains ample information on the rules and strategy of the game. Price at time of publish: $200 This mahjong set marries function and design. You’ll notice that each tile features a Chinese symbol, either known as a Simple, Honor, or Bonus. Price at time of publish: $110 Large, solid tiles make for an optimal play experience and also make it a breeze to take in the characters at a glance. The set comes with a travel case as well as instructions (in English) for how to play the game. You’ll appreciate the convenience of this set: Everything is included that you’ll need to play the game (you won’t need to purchase racks or pushers separately). You’ll find this set attractive, sturdy, and convenient, without a high price tag. Price at time of publish: $90 The tiles are made from melamine and are engraved with both Chinese characters and Arabic numerals—this too can be helpful for a beginner audience, who may be unfamiliar with the characters. The set also comes with wooden racks with pushers, other key accessories like dice and a wind indicator, and an illustrated instruction booklet to get new players started with a good understanding of the rules and strategy. Price at time of publish: $260 Price at time of publish: $35
Material
Traditional mahjong tiles are made from bamboo, ivory, and bone. However, these materials often discolor or break down over time. More modern sets often include tiles made of plastic, wood, or even paper. These non-natural materials will make for more affordable and more portable sets and tend to last longer over time. Also, pay attention to the size of the tiles, which can be affected by the material used. For example, some users might prefer larger tiles to more easily see engravings, while others might find thicker tiles more cumbersome.
Portability
For homebodies, portability may not be as important of a factor. However, for those always looking to play with new partners in new places, finding a set that is portable is important. Lightweight materials like paper and plastic will be much easier to transport than bamboo or wood. Also, look for options that include carrying cases that keep all of the pieces safe and organized.
Accessories
If you’re planning to play the American version of mahjong, note that traditional Chinese mahjong sets don’t often include racks, pushers, joker tiles, or blank tiles. In Chinese mahjong sets, you’ll often find a wind indicator, which is used to indicate a seating arrangement in traditional play. Some sets also include tally sticks, which help with scoring. For beginners and first-time players, it is also important to find a set that includes helpful instructions. Ones that explain the different tiles, icons, and rules thoroughly and simply are best.
Why Trust The Spruce?
After years of playing dominos and rummy, Madeleine Burry is fascinated by the game of mahjong. Burry scoured internet reviews and other online resources to create this list of featured products. She’s written for The Spruce since 2019, and you’ll also find her writing at many other online outlets, including Apartment Therapy, Prevention, Health, and Livestrong. Some sets include additional items like a wind indicator, tally sticks for scoring, pushers, and a carrying case. Additional reporting was done by Julia Fields a lifestyle writer for The Spruce covering all things surrounding toys, gifts, and the holidays since October 2021. Before that, she covered similar topics including toy reviews, product round-ups, expert-focused articles, and more.
