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  • About
    • Object of the Game
    • End of Game
    • Number of Players
    • Mah Jongg Tiles
    • Groupings
    • The Equipment
    • NMJL Card
  • How to Play
    • Identifying the Dealer
      • Errors and Penalties
    • Shuffle & Build the Wall
    • Serving & Breaking the Wall
      • Errors & Penalties
    • Dealing Tiles
      • Errors & Penalties
    • Organizing Your Hand
      • Errors & Penalties
    • The Charleston
      • Errors & Penalties
    • Start of the Game
      • Errors & Penalties
    • Playing the Game
      • Errors & Penalties
    • Claim Discarded Tile
      • Errors & Penalties
    • Dead Hand
    • Jokers & Joker Exchange
      • Errors & Penalties
    • Mah Jongg in Error
    • Mah Jongg, Self-Pick
    • Mah Jongg, Discarded Tile
      • Errors & Penalties
    • Mah Jongg, Joker Exchange
    • Hand Value & Payment
    • Game Completion
    • Seat Rotation
  • Player Count Adjustments
    • Five or Six-Handed Mah Jongg
    • Three-Handed Mah Jongg
    • Two-Handed Mah Jongg
  • Supplemental Guidance
    • Understanding the Card
  • 2025 Card
  • Glossary
  • Audiobook
  • FAQs

Mixing the Tiles
and Building the Wall

All 152 tiles are placed face-down in the center of the table.

Players thoroughly mix the tiles.

Building the Wall

  • Each player builds a wall by selecting tiles face-down from the center.
  • Arrange tiles along the back (non-sloped side) of your rack without looking at the tile faces.
  • Each player’s wall should be:
    • 19 tiles long
    • 2 tiles high
    • 38 tiles total

Tip:

  • Ensure your completed wall is straight and even along your rack for clarity during play.
The Complete American Mah Jongg Rulebook

The Complete American Mah Jongg Rulebook

American Mah Jongg Association © 2025