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How to Deal American Mahjong: A Beginner Walkthrough
Learning how to deal American Mahjong is much easier when the setup is separated into a few visible jobs. One player organizes the dice and card, everyone builds a wall, and East begins with one additional tile because East makes the first discard.
Quick answer
A standard four-player game starts with 152 tiles. Each player builds a wall of 19 stacks, two tiles high. After the wall is broken according to the group’s rules, tiles are dealt until East has 14 and the other three players have 13. East then discards to begin play.
Before dealing
Confirm that the set contains the tiles your group expects, including eight jokers for standard American play. Place the current card where every player can read it, set one rack at each seat, and choose East.
Mix the tiles face down. Many groups use pushers to move the walls toward the center without reaching across another player’s space.
Build and break the walls
With 152 tiles, each side of the square wall contains 38 tiles arranged as 19 stacks of two. A consistent wall makes counting and dealing easier, especially for beginners.
Groups vary in how they use the dice to choose the break point. The important beginner habit is to agree on the method before dealing and to draw in a consistent direction.
Deal the hands
Deal in small groups around the table until each non-East player has 13 tiles. East receives a 14th tile and therefore does not draw before the first discard.
After everyone counts privately, begin the Charleston. Do not start choosing a final hand too early; first look for flexible groups, pairs, and sections of the card that match the tiles.
Beginner checklist
- 152 tiles are mixed face down
- Four walls contain 19 stacks of two
- East finishes with 14 tiles
- The other players finish with 13 tiles
- The Charleston begins before ordinary drawing and discarding
Compact and travel-table note
Mini tiles are quicker to mix but easier to overlook. Use a mat with clear edges, count each wall, and keep the compact racks far enough apart that players can deal without knocking the walls.
Rules note: American Mah Jongg groups may use local table conventions. Use the current official card and rules for tournament or league play, and agree on house rules before the first deal.
Rules authority
The National Mah Jongg League publishes the American version of the rules and the annual Standard Hands and Rules card. Check the current card and official materials when a tournament-level ruling matters.
Continue learning
Frequently asked questions
How many tiles does East receive in American Mahjong?
East begins with 14 tiles. Each other player begins with 13.
How many stacks are in each American Mahjong wall?
With a standard 152-tile set, each player builds 19 stacks of two tiles.
Who discards first?
East discards first because East begins with the extra tile.
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