A different way to plan a hand
NMJL-style American mahjong uses an annually updated card of eligible hands. The Charleston and jokers are distinctive parts of the game. Rather than assuming four sets and a pair is your target, learn to read the pattern on your own card.
Start by asking which organisation’s card and which year your group plays. “American” by itself is not enough information to resolve a disputed pattern.
Use the original beside you
This site does not reproduce the annual card’s hands. Obtain the current card and instruction book from the League, then have your group walk through how its notation, colours and exposure requirements are read.
As a learning habit, explain a chosen line back to a more experienced player in your own words before you practise with it. That reveals misunderstandings without turning the whole game into guesswork.
Know where a rule question belongs
For a question about a League rule or a specific card hand, use the League’s guidance rather than borrowing a rule from a different mahjong family. For an app issue, use Hé Fēn support.
You can bring your own table’s rules to the mobile app. The five built-in browser references on this site are not an American annual card, and their example shapes should not be treated as one.
Saved in this browser. Completion is yours to mark when you feel ready.
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Visit the learning library or practise at the table.
Sources & scope
An original Hé Fēn explanation with our own teaching examples. Reference links checked 13 September 2026. We are not affiliated with these organisations.
- An introduction to American mah jongg National Mah Jongg League. The League’s introduction to its card-based game, the Charleston and jokers.
- Current card and instruction book National Mah Jongg League. Obtain your own current card and the League’s instruction book. We do not reproduce the annual card’s hands.
- Rules questions and rulings National Mah Jongg League. Where to seek the League’s guidance on a disputed hand or rule.