The NMJL created quite the buzz with the 2025 misprinted card. American Mahjong players that waited for the corrected cards to ship must consider alternative cards.
What is an American Mahjong Card?
One of the key differences between American mahjong and Chinese mahjong is the card. American Mahjong introduced the playing card with specific sequences to win in the 1920s.
The NMJL was created in 1937 to standardize rules and hands. The League has released these cards annually in April for 88 years, giving players a fresh way to play each year. In 2025, the NMJL sent out cards with errors and reprinted cards that were delivered in late June.
Queen of the Tiles, Marvelous Mah Jongg and I Love Mahj offer American mahjong cards. These cards are fun alternatives to the NMJL card.
Sequences on the cards
The NMJL requires specific sequences to win on the annual card. Defensive play is a key part of the game with this card. Although there are many ways to win, other players that have memorized the sequences can block wins to result in a wall game.
Alternative American mahjong cards use sequences that resemble sequence options closer to the original Chinese version of the game. The sequences are not exact, so any tiles can be used. For example, KKKK on and alternative card means any kong or C means any crak.
Chinese mahjong and American Mahjong
In Chinese mahjong, players need to win with 14 tiles containing sets of chows, pungs, kongs and pairs. Chinese mahjong is easier than American mahjong because there are many more ways to win. Alternative American mahjong cards are more like Chinese mahjong with the sequences than the NMJL card.
The benefits to alternative mahjong cards
With so many ways to win on an alternative card, these cards are the best for friendly games. Because alternative cards offer so may options to win, there are fewer wall games and the games are faster.
Mahjong fundraisers and themed parties are trending these days. Adding a custom or themed mahjong card can be the perfect way to tie the event together. For example, if you are hosting a fall event in Tennessee, why not add the SEC cards to the table? I know that is what I am planning!
The alternative mahjong cards do not age like the NMJL cards. Sure, you can always break out The League cards from 2015, but it doesn’t feel as fresh as a themed alternative card.
Teaching the card
As a certified instructor, I still teach the NMJL as the core way to learn mahjong. This card is the most universal for play in 2025. However, as the popularity of alternative mahjong cards grows, I am introducing the alternative cards to all social play.
The instructions on the alternative cards are often much clearer than the NMJL, so these alternative cards are easier to pivot to at the table. The mahjong game is the same across all cards.
Where to buy American mahjong cards
For the National Mah Jongg League cards, the only reliable source is to buy directly from the league. There are many fakes out there, especially on Amazon. To be sure you have an accurate card and save yourself from any embarrassment, order only from The League.
Alternative cards can be found online and in gift shops. As a Nashville resident, I like to support our local Nashville card guru, The Queen of Tiles. She offers many alternative cards and custom cards for any event.
I can’t wait to see the evolution of these custom cards as the popularity of mahjong grows!
