Play together
How to Host a Mahjong Night
Quick answer
To host a mahjong night, invite 4 players for each table. Each table needs a mahjong set, 4 racks and dice. Serve clean finger foods that are not greasy. Agree on house rules before you start. Then keep the game moving, and follow simple etiquette, like naming each discard out loud.
At a glance
- Players per table: 4
- Gear per table: 1 set, 4 racks with pushers and dice
- For American play: a current card for each player
- Time to plan for: about 1.5 to 3 hours
- Snacks: clean finger foods that are not greasy
How do you host a mahjong night?
You can host a mahjong night in 6 easy steps.
- Invite 4 players per table. With 8 guests, set up 2 tables. Here is how many players mahjong needs.
- Gather the gear. Each table needs a set, 4 racks with pushers and dice. For American mahjong, each player needs a current card.
- Set the table. A square table works well. Leave room for 4 racks and the wall of tiles in the middle.
- Pick easy snacks. Choose clean finger foods that are not greasy or sticky. Set drinks on a side table, away from the tiles.
- Agree on house rules. House rules are extra rules your group picks, and they vary from group to group. Settle them first, including whether to play for points or small stakes.
- Keep the game moving. Set a start and end time. Help new players, but keep a steady pace.
What do you need for a mahjong party?
For each table at a mahjong party, you need the items below.
| Item | How many |
|---|---|
| Mahjong set | 1 per table |
| Racks with pushers | 4 per table |
| Dice | 2 per table for American play |
| Card of winning hands | 1 per player for American play |
| Score pad and pen | 1 per table |
Racks hold your tiles so they face you. The pusher slides your wall to the middle of the table. Learn more in how to use mahjong racks.
What is mahjong etiquette?
Mahjong etiquette is a set of simple table manners. These manners keep the game fair and friendly.
- Name each discard out loud. Say the tile's name as you put it down. A discard is a tile you throw away.
- Do not touch other players' tiles. To swap for a joker (a wild tile), trade the tiles hand to hand.
- Keep a steady pace. Have your Charleston passes ready. The Charleston is the tile swap before play starts.
- Decide on calls quickly. To call is to claim a tile someone just threw away.
- Do not tell others what they need. Let each player make their own choices.
- Let the winner show the hand. Do not blame the player who threw the winning tile.
What are easy mahjong party ideas?
Keep it simple. A few small touches can make the night more fun.
- Seat one skilled player at each table to help new players.
- Print a mahjong cheat sheet for each table.
- Play for points and keep a running score for the night.
- Pick napkins and plates that match the colors of your tiles.
Setting up for game night?
A set of 4 racks with pushers keeps each player's tiles neat and private.
Questions people ask
How long does a mahjong night last?
Plan on about 1.5 to 3 hours. One hand takes 10 to 20 minutes for skilled players. Beginners often take 30 minutes or more.
What if only 3 people come?
You can still play. In American mahjong, 3 players skip the Charleston and still build 4 walls. See 3-player mahjong.
Who goes first at a mahjong night?
Roll the dice. In American mahjong, the highest roll becomes East, the dealer. East starts with 14 tiles and discards first.
Do we have to play for money?
No. The game needs no money. Many groups play for points instead.