How to Read the American Mahjong Card (2026 Edition)
8 min read
If you're new to American Mahjong, the NMJL card can look a little intimidating at first. All those symbols, numbers, and abbreviations — where do you even start? Don't worry. Once you understand how the card is organized, it becomes your best friend at the table. Let's walk through it together.
What Is the NMJL Card?
The National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) publishes a new card every year listing all valid winning hands for that year. The 2026 card is the one you need to play this year.
The card is small — about the size of an index card — but it contains every hand you're allowed to win with. If your completed hand isn't on the card, it doesn't count. This is what makes American Mahjong unique: the hands change every year, so the game always feels fresh.
You can order the 2026 NMJL card directly from the National Mah Jongg League website.
How the Card Is Organized
The NMJL card is divided into sections, each grouping hands by a theme or tile combination. Common sections include:
- 2026 (hands using the numbers 2, 0, 2, 6)
- Like Numbers (hands using the same number across suits)
- Consecutive Run (hands using sequential numbers)
- 13579 (hands using only odd numbers)
- Winds and Dragons
- Singles and Pairs
Each section contains several hands. Scan through the sections to find hands that match the tiles you're collecting.
Understanding the Symbols
Here's a quick guide to the abbreviations and symbols you'll see on the card:
| Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|
| B | Bamboo suit |
| C | Crak (Character) suit |
| D | Dot (Circle) suit |
| N, E, S, W | North, East, South, West winds |
| G, R, W | Green, Red, White dragons |
| F | Flower tile |
| J | Joker (wild tile) |
| Numbers (1–9) | Tile number within a suit |
Example: 2B 2C 2D means the 2 of Bamboo, the 2 of Crak, and the 2 of Dot.
Open vs. Closed Hands
Every hand on the card is marked as either open or closed:
- Open hand: You can call (claim) a discarded tile from another player to complete a set in this hand.
- Closed hand: You must draw all tiles yourself — no calling discards.
Closed hands are typically worth more points. Look for the open/closed designation on each hand before deciding which one to pursue.
Point Values
Each hand on the card has a point value listed. These are the points the winner collects from each other player. Hands range in value — more complex or harder-to-achieve hands are worth more.
Tip: As a beginner, don't chase the highest-value hands. Focus on hands you can actually complete!
Step-by-Step: Reading a Hand
Let's walk through an example hand:
FF 2026 2026 — open, 25 points
- FF — Two flower tiles
- 2026 — The tiles 2, 0 (represented by a specific tile), 2, 6 in one suit
- 2026 — The same combination in a second suit
- Open — You can call discarded tiles
- 25 points — Each other player pays you 25 points when you win
Work backward from the hand: what tiles do you need? Which ones do you already have? Which ones are you hoping to draw or call?
Tips for Beginners
- Pick 2–3 hands to focus on at the start of each game — don't try to track every hand at once
- Highlight your favorite hands on the card with a small dot or sticky flag
- Learn one section at a time — start with "Like Numbers" or "Consecutive Run," which tend to be beginner-friendly
- Keep the card visible during play — there's no rule against referencing it
- Update your card every year — the 2025 card is no longer valid for 2026 play
Practice Makes It Click
The card will start to feel natural after just a few games. The more you play, the faster you'll recognize which hands are within reach based on your tiles.
And when you're ready to play in style, our handmade Mahjong bags are a beautiful way to store and carry your set. Made from authentic designer scarves — each one is truly one of a kind. 🀄