In Chinese mahjong sets, you'll often find a wind indicator, which is used to indicate a seating arrangement in traditional play. If you're planning to play the American version of mahjong, note that traditional Chinese mahjong sets don't often include racks, pushers, joker tiles, or blank tiles. Also, look for options that include carrying cases that keep all of the pieces safe and organized. Lightweight materials like paper and plastic will be much easier to transport than bamboo or wood. However, for those always looking to play with new partners in new places, finding a set that is portable is important. For example, some users might prefer larger tiles to more easily see engravings, while others might find thicker tiles more cumbersome.įor homebodies, portability may not be as important of a factor. These non-natural materials will make for more affordable and more portable sets and tend to last longer over time.Īlso, pay attention to the size of the tiles, which can be affected by the material used. More modern sets often include tiles made of plastic, wood, or even paper.

However, these materials often discolor or break down over time. Traditional mahjong tiles are made from bamboo, ivory, and bone. You can usually play traditional mahjong with an American set, but not the other way around. These extra tiles often include jokers or blank tiles for replacing lost ones. Traditional Chinese mahjong needs 144 tiles, while American mahjong includes 166 tiles. The number of tiles included in your set depends on the variation of Mahjong you wish to play. What to Look for in a Mahjong Set Number of Tiles The Linda Li Set is a popular brand known for the American variation and comes in a cushioned, decorative bag for travel. The Spruce Home Improvement Review Boardįinding the best mahjong set is situational to your skill level, preference of play, and familiarity with the game, but we consider the Yellow Mountain Imports Mahjong Set an excellent choice for a classic take on the ancient game.

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