Best Mahjong Sets in 2026
Expert recommendations for every budget and play style. We've tested dozens of sets so you don't have to.
Quick Recommendations
Top Mahjong Sets
Best Overall Yellow Mountain Imports Professional Mahjong Set
Tournament-quality 144-tile set with larger tiles, premium case, and upgraded accessories.
Best for: Serious players and enthusiasts who want tournament-quality tiles
- Still no red fives for Riichi players
- Heavier and less portable than Classic set
AMOS Japanese Riichi Mahjong Set
Authentic Japanese riichi set with red fives (aka dora), perfect for Riichi players and Mahjong Soul fans.
Best for: Riichi mahjong players who need red fives (aka dora tiles)
- Slightly smaller tiles than Chinese sets
- Fewer accessories than YMI sets
Best Value Yellow Mountain Imports Classic Mahjong Set
Complete 144-tile Chinese mahjong set with carrying case. Perfect for beginners and casual players.
Best for: Beginners and casual players looking for a complete, affordable set
- Tiles are slightly smaller than professional sets
- No red fives (not ideal for Riichi mahjong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Yellow Mountain Imports Professional Mahjong Set Best Overall | AMOS Japanese Riichi Mahjong Set | Yellow Mountain Imports Classic Mahjong Set Best Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $119 | $89 | $59 |
| Rating | 4.9/5 | 4.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
| Category | Mahjong Set | Mahjong Set | Mahjong Set |
| Best For | Serious players and enthusiasts who want tournament-quality tiles | Riichi mahjong players who need red fives (aka dora tiles) | Beginners and casual players looking for a complete, affordable set |
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| View Deal | View Deal | View Deal |
How to Choose the Right Mahjong Set
1. Know Your Variant
Different mahjong variants require different tiles:
- Riichi (Japanese): 136 tiles + 3 red fives recommended
- Chinese: 144 tiles standard
- American: 166 tiles + jokers required
Make sure the set you buy matches your preferred variant. The AMOS Japanese set includes red fives — essential for Riichi. The Yellow Mountain sets work for Chinese and most variants but lack red fives.
2. Tile Size Matters
Tile sizes typically range from 28mm to 32mm:
- 28mm: Standard for Japanese sets, great for smaller tables
- 30mm: Mid-size, comfortable for most players
- 32mm: Professional/tournament size, easier to read
Larger tiles feel more premium and are easier to handle, but require more table space.
3. Material Quality
Engraved vs. Stickered: Always choose engraved tiles. Stickers wear off quickly.
Melamine: Most common, durable, affordable. Found in all the sets we recommend above.
Acrylic: Premium option, beautiful clarity, higher price point. Worth it for serious collectors.
4. Budget Guidelines
- $30-60: Budget sets — Yellow Mountain Classic
- $80-120: Mid-range quality — YMI Professional, AMOS Japanese
- $150-300: Premium boutique sets
- $1,500+: Automatic tables
Sweet spot for most players: $80-120. You get excellent quality without overpaying for boutique branding.
Automatic Mahjong Tables
For serious players who want the ultimate convenience: automatic shuffling and wall-building.
Premium Solor Automatic Mahjong Table
Self-shuffling automatic mahjong table. Never sort tiles by hand again. The ultimate luxury for serious players.
Best for: Dedicated mahjong enthusiasts who play multiple times per week
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Chinese and Japanese mahjong sets?
Japanese sets typically have 136 tiles and include 3 red fives (aka dora). Chinese sets have 144 tiles (includes flowers and seasons) but no red fives. If you're playing Riichi (Japanese rules), get a Japanese set. For Chinese rules, get a Chinese set.
Do I need an expensive set to start playing?
No! The Yellow Mountain Imports Classic set ($59) is perfect for beginners. It's the same quality many experienced players use. Save the premium sets for when you're sure mahjong is a long-term hobby.
Can I use my set for multiple mahjong variants?
Most Chinese sets (144 tiles) work for multiple variants. However, if you want to play Riichi authentically, you need red fives — which only come in Japanese sets like the AMOS.
Are automatic mahjong tables worth it?
Only if you play 2-3+ times per week and have the space and budget. They're incredible for serious players who host regular games, but overkill for casual players.
Ready to Buy Your First Set?
Start with the Yellow Mountain Imports Classic. It's the best value for beginners and the set we recommend to everyone starting their mahjong journey.
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