If your group plays NMJL-style American Mahjong, plan to have the NMJL card for the year your table is using. A general how-to-play guide serves a different purpose. Before buying anything, ask your host which rules and card year to bring.
New to Mahjong? It helps to separate three things: the tiles you handle, the instructions you learn from, and the annual card you consult during play.
Tiles, instructions and an annual card: three different jobs
The tiles are the playing pieces. You can start by recognizing numbers and suits with the Sweet Afternoon examples below. The tile design helps you identify a piece; it does not tell you which complete hand your table is trying to make.
A how-to-play guide introduces the game. It can explain setup, the order of a turn and basic terminology. Its exact coverage depends on the guide.
The NMJL annual card is a hands-and-rules reference. The National Mah Jongg League issues an official card each year and updates its hands and rules. For that style of play, a general beginner guide does not replace the card. About the League and its annual card.
Is an NMJL card included with a Mahjong set?
Check the listing for the exact set you are buying. “Instructions included” does not, by itself, mean “NMJL annual card included.” Look for an explicit card description and year; if these are missing, ask the seller before placing your order.
The same habit helps with accessories: confirm the actual package contents rather than assuming that everything in a styled photograph comes in the box. Our American Mahjong set contents checklist walks through what to check.
Which year should I get, and where can I buy it?
For current-year NMJL play, choose the current official card and confirm that your table is using that year. If you are attending a class or a practice game with a different agreed reference, follow the organizer’s instructions.
For a direct purchasing source, visit the National Mah Jongg League’s official store. Check the available year and print format there before ordering.
What can I learn before my card arrives?
Start with tile recognition. Sort Dots, Bams and Craks, then practice naming a tile by its number and suit. You can do that without copying or memorizing a current card’s hand list. Begin with our first tile lesson, then use the beginner guide to explore the flow of the game.
Your next step: ask your host, “Which rules and card year are we using, and should I bring my own card?” That one question makes the rest of your preparation much clearer.