The NMJL Card

    Scoring Guide

    In American Mahjong, every winning hand must match a pattern on the official NMJL card, updated annually.

    How the Card Works

    The National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) publishes a new card every April with all valid winning hands for that year. Each player needs their own copy.

    Hands are organized into categories. Each hand shows a specific tile pattern with a point value (typically 25 or 30 cents). Higher-value hands are harder to complete.

    The card uses a notation system: tiles in groups without "C" may be exposed (claimed from discards), while groups marked with "C" must be concealed (drawn from the wall only).

    Joker Rules

    ✅ Jokers can substitute for any tile in a group of 3 or more (Pung, Kong, Quint, Sextet).

    ❌ Jokers cannot be used in pairs or singles.

    🔄 If a player has an exposed group containing a Joker, you can exchange the matching natural tile for their Joker on your turn.

    🚫 Singles & Pairs hands never use Jokers — they're always fully concealed.

    Hand Categories

    2468

    Jokers OK

    Hands using only even-numbered tiles (2, 4, 6, 8). May include Dragons.

    FF 2222 4444 66 88

    Quints

    Jokers OK

    Hands containing five of the same tile (only possible with Jokers).

    FFFFF 11111 DDDD

    Consecutive Run

    Jokers OK

    Sequential number patterns within one or more suits, e.g. 1-2-3, 3-4-5, 5-6-7.

    FF 111 222 333 444

    13579

    Jokers OK

    Hands using only odd-numbered tiles (1, 3, 5, 7, 9). May include Dragons.

    FF 1111 333 5555 99

    Winds – Dragons

    Jokers OK

    Hands built around Wind tiles (NESW) and/or Dragon tiles (Red, Green, Soap).

    NN EE WW SS DDDD

    369

    Jokers OK

    Hands using only tiles numbered 3, 6, and 9.

    FF 3333 6666 9999

    Singles & Pairs

    No Jokers

    Hands composed entirely of single tiles and/or pairs. No Jokers allowed — these are always concealed.

    11 33 55 77 99 DD GG

    Special Hands

    No Jokers

    Unique combinations that don't fit other categories. Often the highest-value hands on the card.

    Varies by year — check the current NMJL card

    Purchase the Official NMJL Card

    A new card is released every April — make sure you have the current year's card.