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Best Ways to Practice Mahjong Online
Quick answer
The best app to learn mahjong depends on the style you play. For American mahjong, NMJL Online is the official game of the National Mah Jongg League. It needs a paid subscription. Real Mah Jongg, Mahjong 4 Friends and MyJongg.net have free ways to start. For Japanese riichi, Mahjong Soul, Tenhou and Riichi City are free.
At a glance
- Official American app: NMJL Online
- NMJL Online cost: $4.99 for 1 month or $49.99 for 1 year (prices can change)
- Free to start: Real Mah Jongg, Mahjong 4 Friends and MyJongg.net
- Many styles in one place: MahjongTime
What is the best app to learn mahjong?
The best app is one that plays your style. For American mahjong, it should also use the same card of winning hands as your group.
The official American app is NMJL Online, from the National Mah Jongg League. It needs a paid subscription.
At the League's store, it costs $4.99 for 1 month, $12.99 for 3 months or $49.99 for 1 year. Prices can change.
| App | Style | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| NMJL Online | American (official) | Paid subscription |
| Real Mah Jongg | American | Free download, then a subscription |
| Mahjong 4 Friends | American | Free |
| MyJongg.net | American, with its own card | 4 free games a day |
| MahjongTime | Many styles | Free tier, plus premium |
| Mahjong Soul, Tenhou, Riichi City | Japanese riichi | Free |
| Mahjong Friends Online | Chinese and Hong Kong | Free |
| Hong Kong Style Mahjong 3D | Hong Kong | Check the app store |
Tip: Check which card an app uses. Hands on another card may not match the National Mah Jongg League card.
How can I practice American mahjong online for free?
A few apps and sites let you practice for free, at least to start.
- Real Mah Jongg. It is made by Mattron. It is free to download, then needs a subscription.
- Mahjong 4 Friends. It is free to play in a web browser or in its apps.
- MyJongg.net. You get 4 free games a day. It is not part of the National Mah Jongg League, and it uses its own card.
- MahjongTime. It has a free tier and a paid premium plan. It covers many styles.
How do you play mahjong alone?
You can play mahjong alone with an app or with a real set. Many apps let you play against computer players.
With a real set, try this practice game.
- Deal a hand. Mix the tiles face down. Take 13 tiles and stand them on your rack.
- Pick a goal. Look at your card. Find 2 or 3 hands that fit your tiles.
- Take and toss. Take a new tile, then throw one away. A tile you throw away is called a discard.
- Keep going. Play until your tiles match a hand, or the tiles run out.
This helps you learn the card. See our guide to the mahjong card.
How do you play mahjong online with friends?
To play mahjong online with friends, pick one app that everyone can use. Then meet there at a set time.
- Pick one app. Choose one that lets you invite friends to a private table. Make sure it plays your style and card.
- Check each device. Some apps run in a web browser. Others need a phone or tablet.
- Set a time. Plan it like a game night at home.
- Talk while you play. To play remotely, add a phone or video call. It feels more like a real table.
Want to practice at a real table?
Apps help you practice, and a set of your own lets you play with friends in person.
Questions people ask
Is there a free official NMJL app?
No. The official game, NMJL Online, needs a paid subscription. Free choices like Mahjong 4 Friends and MyJongg.net come from other makers.
Can I play mahjong on my phone?
Yes. Many of these games have phone apps. Search your app store for the name of the game.
Which apps are good for riichi mahjong?
Mahjong Soul, Tenhou and Riichi City are free to play. Riichi is the Japanese style, with 136 tiles and no flowers. Learn more about riichi mahjong.
Can an app teach me mahjong?
An app is good for practice. A class lets you ask a teacher questions as you learn. See mahjong lessons.