"How many tiles are in a mahjong set?" The honest answer: it depends on what you play. The good news is that every style builds on the same basic tiles, adding or removing a layer, so it's easy to remember once you see the pattern.
On this page
Start at 108 and add layers
Think of a set as building blocks stacked on top of each other:
- 108 suit tiles: characters, dots and bamboo, 1 to 9, four of each. See suit tiles.
- Add 28 honors → 136: the four winds and three dragons, four of each. See honor tiles.
- Add 8 flowers → 144: the four seasons and four plants, one of each. See flower tiles.
- Add 8 jokers → 152: American mahjong only. See jokers.
Tile counts by style
| Style | Tiles | What's in it | Hand size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sichuan | 108 | Suits only, no honors or flowers | 13 |
| Japanese | 136 | Suits + honors, usually with three of the 5s replaced by red fives | 13 |
| Hong Kong | 144 | Suits + honors + 8 flowers | 13 |
| Chinese Official | 144 | Suits + honors + 8 flowers | 13 |
| Taiwanese | 144 | Suits + honors + 8 flowers | 16 |
| American | 152 | Suits + honors + 8 flowers + 8 jokers | 13 |
One thing people often miss: Taiwanese, Hong Kong and Chinese Official all use the same 144 tiles, but Taiwanese players hold 16 while the other two hold 13. Same tiles, very different games.
13 tiles vs 16 tiles
In most styles you hold 13 tiles, and when your 14th tile completes four sets and a pair, you win:
In Taiwanese mahjong you hold 16 and need five sets and a pair, 17 tiles when you win:
One extra set doesn't sound like much, but it changes the pace and the hands you can build. American mahjong also uses 13 tiles, but instead of "four sets and a pair" you must match one of the hands printed on that year's card.
Extras that come with a set
Besides the tiles, a mahjong set usually includes:
- Dice: to choose the dealer and where to break the wall. Taiwanese and Chinese Official tables usually roll three; Japanese and Sichuan tables usually two.
- Wind indicator: a small marker, disc or box showing whether you're in the East round or the South round, so nobody forgets the round wind.
- Chips or scoring sticks: for keeping score. Japanese mahjong uses point sticks, and declaring riichi means putting out a 1,000-point stick.
- Racks: almost always used in American mahjong, long stands that hold your tiles upright and hidden. American players also need the hand card, which changes every year.
Online it's all much easier: shuffling, dice and scoring are automatic.
FAQ
What is the most common mahjong set size?
Among Chinese-speaking players, 144 tiles with 8 flowers is the most common; Taiwanese, Hong Kong and Chinese Official mahjong all use it. The 136-tile set without flowers is standard for Japanese riichi mahjong.
Why does American mahjong have 152 tiles?
It adds 8 jokers to the 144-tile set. The jokers are wild, and American hands such as five-of-a-kind can't be made without them. Try it in American mahjong online.
Can I play Japanese mahjong with a 144-tile set?
Yes. Take out the 8 flowers and you have 136; take out the honors too and you have the 108 for Sichuan. Red fives are optional, and you can switch them off in the rules. Not sure what to play? Browse the styles on the homepage.