Mahjong Set Buying Guide

Just learned mahjong? Let's talk about the different kinds of sets and which one you might want to buy!

Step 0: Just tell me what to buy!

If you'd like to buy tiles similar to the ones you just learned to play on, you can use our affiliate links to purchase the exact brand and model. All of our sets come from Yellow Mountain Imports, available on Amazon.

Tiles with green backs - Budget friendly option. Includes guides in the corners for beginners.

Tiles with sparkly backs   - More of a splurge. Includes guides in the corners for beginners.

Japanese / riichi set  - If you know for sure you and your friends will be playing riichi, get this! Does not include guides in the corners.

Step 1: Choose a version of the game

Mahjong functions like a card game, but it's played with tiles. Almost every version of mahjong uses these same basic tiles in their set:

• The "character" suit (sometimes called cracks or 10,000).
  
• The "bamboo" suit (sometimes called bams or sticks)
• The "circles" suit (sometimes called dots or coins)
• The Winds, consisting of East, West, South, and North
• The Dragons (named differently in other languages), consisting of Red, White, and Green

In addition to these basic tiles, certain rulesets will use other types of tiles:

• Flowers and season tiles 
• Joker tiles

So when you're buying a set for the first time, you must first choose which version you are trying to play. Many varieties of Chinese mahjong, including the popular Hong Kong variant, use flowers and seasons. The Japanese version, which we specialize in, uses only the basic set, meaning that you can still play it with tile sets that have "extra" tiles such as a Chinese set. Those who know they're playing American mahjong must buy an American specific set with jokers, flowers, seasons, and racks

Step 2: Need extra help reading the tiles?

The next factor to consider is whether or not you'd like a tile set with additional numbers carved in the corners. Many tile sets assume you're familiar enough with the tiles that you know the 3 numbered suits and have the winds and dragons memorized. If you're a beginner, this can be a little intimidating.

Riichi tile set without guides

Chinese set with guides

The sets we teach on include guides, but the ones in our autotables do not or have very limited markings. If you're in doubt, we recommend buying one with guides

Step 3: Aesthetics

The very last thing to consider is the look of the tiles themselves. Some have solid backs, sparkly backs, or include unique illustrated designs. The tiles themselves could be black, white, or another color. While there are a few standard designs for the different suits that go on the faces, some sets get more artistic and creative.

There are countless makers and countless sets out in the world, waiting to be discovered!

Does Sparrow's Nest sell sets?

We get this question a lot! Currently, we do not sell sets and recommend buying from Amazon using our affiliate links instead. If you'd ever like to talk tiles in person, or to see the sets we have, come visit our location in Manhattan!