Lay out the mat
Place the HIEALO mat flat on the table. Keep drinks and snacks outside the playing edge.
Beginner American Mah Jongg
Tap your way through a smoother game night.
A clear table-side guide for setup, the Charleston, your turn, common calls, and mat care. Built for quick reading on a phone.
HIEALO.com/mahjong
HIEALO
Quick Guide
Quick Start
Five steps before the first discard.
These steps get the table moving. Keep the current official annual card nearby for hands and scoring.
Shuffle and build
Turn tiles face down, mix them well, then build four walls around the center.
Choose East
East is the dealer. East starts with one extra tile and makes the first discard.
Pass tiles
Use the Charleston to trade away tiles that do not support the hand you are building.
Play the turn
Draw, decide, discard, and call only when a discarded tile completes a legal exposure.
Table Helper
Choose what is happening now.
The fastest way to learn is to solve the moment in front of you.
Do This Now
Set the table first.
- Place the mat flat and keep the center clear.
- Turn tiles face down and mix them thoroughly.
- Build four walls, then choose East.
Watch out
Do not start the Charleston until every player has arranged their hand.
Annual Card
Read the card without feeling lost.
The annual card changes, but the reading method stays useful. Start with pattern recognition, then confirm official hands and scoring.
Pick one section of the annual card before trying to read every line.
Match numbers, suits, flowers, winds, dragons, singles, pairs, and grouped sets.
Check whether the hand is open or concealed before calling a discard.
Use the current official annual card for final hands and scoring.
Most Asked
The Charleston in plain English.
The Charleston is the pre-play tile passing round used in American Mah Jongg. It helps you trade away tiles that do not fit your hand.
Pass three tiles
Choose three tiles you do not need and pass them as directed.
Keep Jokers
Jokers are valuable. Do not pass them during the Charleston.
Look for patterns
Group tiles by suit, numbers, winds, dragons, flowers, and pairs.
During Play
When it is your turn.
Take one tile from the wall unless you are calling a discard.
Compare your tiles to your target hand and choose what to keep.
Place one unwanted tile face up and name it clearly.
Claim a discard only when it completes a legal exposure.
Printable
Save a simple table reference.
Print this page or save it as a PDF. A polished HIEALO PDF can be added later without changing the QR code.
After Game Night
Care for your mat.
Wipe spills with a damp cloth and mild soap if needed.
Air dry completely before storage.
Roll the mat with the playing surface facing outward to reduce creases.
Avoid machine washing, bleaching, or long direct sun exposure.
Official rules note
This HIEALO beginner guide is for learning and table reference only. For official American Mah Jongg hands and scoring, use the current National Mah Jongg League card.
Visit the NMJL website