What Is the National Mah Jongg League — And Do You Need to Join?

If you've spent any time learning American Mahjong, you've probably come across the term "NMJL" — and maybe wondered what it actually is. Is it a club you need to join? A governing body? Something you have to pay for?

Good news: it's simpler than it sounds. Here's everything you need to know about the National Mah Jongg League, what it does, and whether membership is right for you.

What Is the National Mah Jongg League?

The National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) is the nonprofit organization that governs American Mahjong. It was founded in 1937 in New York City by a group of women who wanted to standardize the rules of the game — and it's been doing that ever since.

Nearly 90 years later, the NMJL is still the central authority on American Mahjong. If you're playing the American version of the game, you're playing by NMJL rules, whether you know it or not.

What Does the NMJL Do?

The NMJL's most important job is publishing the annual Mah Jongg card — the list of valid winning hands for that year. But it does more than that:

• Sets the official rules for American Mahjong
• Publishes the annual card that every player uses during gameplay
• Organizes tournaments across the United States
• Supports Mahjong clubs and groups with resources and recognition
• Sends a newsletter to members with updates, tips, and community news

Think of the NMJL as the backbone of American Mahjong. The game as we know it exists because of this organization.

What Is the NMJL Card?

The NMJL card is the document that lists every valid winning hand for the current year. It's small — about the size of a business card folded in half — but it's the most important piece of equipment at any American Mahjong table.

• It changes every year. The NMJL releases a new card each spring with updated hands. This keeps the game fresh and prevents players from memorizing the card permanently.
• Every player needs their own. You can't share — each player needs to reference their own card throughout the game.
• Two versions are available: standard and large print. Large print is a great option for anyone who finds the standard card hard to read.
• You order it directly from the NMJL website. It's not sold in stores, and free PDFs are not officially available.

New to the card? Our step-by-step guide to reading the 2026 NMJL card walks you through everything.

Do You Need to Be a Member to Play?

No. NMJL membership is not required to play American Mahjong.

You can buy the annual card, learn the rules, and play with friends without ever becoming a member. Most casual players never join — and they play perfectly good Mahjong.

That said, membership does come with some perks:

• Discounts on the annual card and NMJL merchandise
• Access to the NMJL newsletter with game tips and community updates
• Priority access to NMJL-sanctioned tournaments
• A sense of connection to the broader American Mahjong community

Membership is an annual fee (check the NMJL website for current pricing). It's modest — and for serious players, it's worth it.

Do You Need the NMJL Card to Play?

Yes — absolutely. This one is non-negotiable.

The card is not optional. Without it, you have no way of knowing which hands are valid for the current year. You cannot play American Mahjong without the current NMJL card.

• You do not need to be a member to buy the card. Anyone can purchase it directly from the NMJL website.
• Old cards are not valid. The hands change every year. Using last year's card means you might be trying to win with a hand that no longer exists.
• Order early. Cards are released each spring and can sell out. Don't wait until the last minute.

NMJL Tournaments — What Are They Like?

If you've ever wanted to take your Mahjong game to the next level, NMJL tournaments are worth knowing about.

These are organized events — ranging from small local tournaments to large national competitions — where players compete using the current year's NMJL card and official rules. They're open to players of all skill levels, and many people describe them as one of the most fun parts of being in the Mahjong community.

Tournaments are a great way to:

• Meet other players from across the country
• Test your skills in a structured setting
• Experience the social side of Mahjong at a bigger scale

To find tournaments near you, check the NMJL website or ask in your local Mahjong group.

Is NMJL Membership Worth It?

There's no wrong answer. The card is what matters most — membership is a bonus for those who want to go deeper.

The Bottom Line

The National Mah Jongg League is the foundation of American Mahjong. You don't need to be a member to play — but you do need the card. Every year, every player, no exceptions.

Whether you join or not, the game is waiting for you. Get your 2026 NMJL card, brush up on the rules, and find your people.