Yellow Mountain Imports
Santorini (blue soft case)
$174.99 (listed 2026-09-25)
tiles, racks with pushers, dice, wind indicator, scoring coins, soft case
See it at Yellow Mountain Imports →Best mahjong set for beginners
A beginner needs an American set (with jokers) that comes complete: at least 152 tiles, four racks with pushers, dice and a case. Complete sets start around $175. Buy designer tiles later, once you know you love the game.
Prices are the list prices on each brand's site on the date shown; they change often. We have not tested these sets hands-on; this guide compares published specs and prices. If you buy through our links we may earn a commission at no cost to you. How we make money.
Our picks
Yellow Mountain Imports
Mojave (ivory, brown soft case)
$175.99 (listed 2026-09-25)
tiles, racks with pushers, dice, wind indicator, scoring coins, soft case
See it at Yellow Mountain Imports →Yellow Mountain Imports
Jade Horizon
$192.99 (listed 2026-09-25)
166 tiles, wooden racks and pushers, dice, wind indicator, scoring coins, case
See it at Yellow Mountain Imports →Yellow Mountain Imports
Koi Fish (white leatherette case)
$240.99 (listed 2026-09-25)
tiles, acrylic racks with pushers, dice, wind indicator, scoring coins, case
See it at Yellow Mountain Imports →Yellow Mountain Imports
Koi Fish (wooden case)
$299.99 (listed 2026-09-25)
tiles, four wooden racks, acrylic pushers, dice, wind indicator, scoring coins, wooden case
See it at Yellow Mountain Imports →What to check before you buy
- It must be an American set. Look for jokers and 152 or more tiles; many American sets include spare tiles (166 is common).
- Racks and pushers. Complete sets include four; designer tiles usually don't.
- Tile size and contrast. Bigger tiles and bold corner numbers are easier to read across the table.
- The card is separate. Buy this year's card from the National Mah Jongg League.
Questions people ask
What mahjong set do I need for American mahjong?
An American set with jokers: at least 152 tiles (many sets include spares, often 166), four racks with pushers, and dice. Chinese and Hong Kong sets have no jokers.
Does a mahjong set come with the card?
No. The card is sold separately by the National Mah Jongg League, and each player needs this year's card.
How much does a good mahjong set cost?
Complete American sets start around $175. Designer tile sets cost about $400–$500 for the tiles, plus $110–$250 for racks.
More buying guides
Best mahjong sets · Mahjong sets under $200 · Luxury and designer mahjong sets · Mahjong travel sets · Mahjong mats · Mahjong racks and pushers · Oh My Mahjong review · The Mahjong Line review