Mahjong Books & Learning Resources
The best books for every style of mahjong. Each section covers the right resources for that variant — because American, Chinese, and Japanese riichi mahjong all play by very different rules.
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American Mahjong
The social tile game most common in the United States, governed by the annual National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card. Features a Charleston tile exchange, joker tiles, and hand combinations that change every year. Very different from Asian variants — you need books specific to this style.
Modern & Visual Play Mahjong! by Alyssa Gross
A modern, visually rich all-levels guide to American mahjong from the founder of The Mahjong Society. Featured in Oprah Daily, Goop, and People.
Best for: Social players who want a beautiful, modern guide to American mahjong
Most Recommended A Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg
The most recommended introductory book for American mahjong — clear instructions, diagrams, and winning strategy following official NMJL rules.
Best for: Complete beginners to American mahjong playing with NMJL card
Riichi Mahjong (立直麻雀)
The competitive Japanese style played on platforms like Mahjong Soul, Tenhou, and Riichi City. Features riichi declarations, dora bonus tiles, and a detailed scoring system. The most popular variant for online play.
Riichi Book 1 — Daina Chiba
The single most recommended strategy resource in the English riichi community. Covers tile efficiency, defensive play, push/fold decisions, and yaku strategy with real game examples. Available completely free.
Best for: Intermediate players who know the rules and want to compete
Also available on Amazon
Best for Beginners Riichi Mahjong by Jenn Barr
The best English-language introduction to riichi mahjong — rules, strategy, and all scoring hands with gorgeous full-color illustrations.
Best for: Beginners who want a beautiful, authoritative introduction to riichi
Chinese Mahjong (麻雀)
The original game in its many regional forms — Hong Kong, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and Chinese Official. Rules vary significantly by region. Great for players whose families play traditional Chinese mahjong or anyone interested in the game's roots.
Traditional Chinese Mahjong The Book of Mah Jong by Amy Lo
The definitive illustrated guide to traditional Chinese mahjong — Cantonese rules, tactics, strategy, and the rituals experienced players observe.
Best for: Players who want to learn authentic traditional Chinese (Cantonese) mahjong
Multi-Variant Reference The Complete Book of Mah Jongg
The broadest single-volume reference covering Chinese, American, and international mahjong styles. Over 150 color photographs by a 30-year mahjong veteran.
Best for: Players who want to understand multiple mahjong variants in one reference
Not Sure Which Style to Learn?
The three major styles are quite different — picking the right one first will save you a lot of confusion.
Playing with friends in the US?
Most common in American social groups and clubs. Uses the annual NMJL card.
Start American guide →Want to play online or competitively?
Play on Mahjong Soul, Tenhou, or in tournaments. The largest online community.
Start riichi guide →Playing with family or heritage interest?
Traditional game played in Chinese households worldwide. Many regional variations.
See Chinese books →Free Online Resources
Riichi Mahjong
- Riichi Book 1 by Daina Chiba — free PDF, the community's go-to strategy guide
- Mastering Mahjong (this site) — beginner guide, yaku reference, glossary
- Riichi.wiki — comprehensive rule and yaku reference
American Mahjong
- National Mah Jongg League (nmjl.org) — official annual card and rules
- Sloperama.com — Tom Sloper's FAQs, trusted by the community for decades
- Mastering Mahjong — American mahjong beginner guide
Online Practice (Riichi)
- Mahjong Soul — best for beginners, free to play
- Tenhou — competitive play, large community
- Riichi City — available on Steam and mobile