Be the Perfect Host
Hosting Tips
Everything you need to create a welcoming, well-prepared mahjong evening.
Table & Equipment
- •Use a card table or any table that seats 4 comfortably. A dedicated mahjong table with recessed trays is ideal but not required.
- •Provide a felt play mat or tablecloth to dampen noise and prevent tiles from sliding.
- •Each player needs a tile rack and pushers. Racks hold 13+ tiles; pushers keep the wall tidy.
- •Have at least one complete American Mahjong set with 152 tiles (including 8 Jokers).
The NMJL Card
- •Every player needs their own copy of the current year's NMJL card — you can't share during play.
- •Order cards from nationalmahjonggleague.org well before your event. New cards come out each April.
- •Consider card holders or stands so players can prop up the card next to their rack.
Seating & Winds
- •Determine seats by picking Wind tiles from a face-down set. East picks their seat first, then South, West, North sit clockwise.
- •Alternatively, roll dice — highest roll becomes East (the first dealer).
- •East always deals first and the deal rotates counter-clockwise after each hand.
Food & Drinks
- •Serve finger foods that aren't messy — the tiles must stay clean! Think nuts, cheese boards, or small pastries.
- •Set up a drink station away from the table to avoid spills on the tiles.
- •Plan a snack break between rounds — it's a natural pause point when the deal rotates.
- •Check out our Mahjong Night Planner for themed cocktail and appetizer menus!
Ambiance
- •Good lighting is essential — players need to clearly read tile faces and the NMJL card.
- •Background music is lovely but keep it low enough for conversation and calling.
- •Fresh flowers or candles (flameless near the table!) add a special touch.
New Player Tips
- •If you have a beginner at the table, do a 10-minute walkthrough of the Charleston and basic gameplay before starting.
- •Print our Beginner's Guide and Tile Reference as handouts.
- •Play the first round as an open-hand practice round — everyone can see each other's tiles and learn together.
- •Be patient and encouraging. Everyone was a beginner once!