Jump into Fall: The Best American Mahjong Finds to Start the Season Right

I can’t believe September is almost over. It seems like just yesterday I was navigating the 40th heat wave. This Summer was pretty brutal in Madrid, probably the worst one yet. It’s still pretty warm, but my A/C is off and I can feel the gentle and refreshing breeze of Autumn.

The temperature is dropping, the leaves are turning red and yellow…yup, Fall is definitely here. And what better way to celebrate the changing of the seasons than to refresh your American Mahjong collection with these gorgeous finds?

I’m Laura, and I’m constantly browsing the internet for the cutest Mahjong supplies, which are all on display on my shopping site. I have a US version and a European one, so just make sure you use the toggle on the website to make sure you’re shopping in the right one.

This article is mostly geared towards items that ship inside of the US, with a few exceptions that ship internationally. Other than finding the best Mahjong stuff for you, my other goal is to grow the Mahjong community here in Madrid. It’s just starting out here, and I have a handful of friends to play with, so there is a lot to be grateful for.

*Note: This article includes affiliate links, which means I might get a small percentage of anything you end up buying. But don’t worry, affiliate links don’t affect the price you pay in any way.

Choosing the Best Mahjong Supplies

Picture this: you put in the time and effort to learn how to play mahjong, you finally know all 573 rules by heart, you’re playing with your friends, and suddenly…you have Mahjong before anyone else at the table.

Winning my first mahjong hand was the moment I became absolutely hooked on this wonderful game. I remember calling my mom, telling her exactly which hand I won with.

And that’s probably around the time when you’re going to want to get your own Mahjong set. Listen, I won’t beat around the bush, getting started can be a little expensive…or extremely expensive, depending on how much you’re willing to invest in your first set.

You can find a complete basic set for as little as $36, or you can splurge on gorgeous, hand-crafted, premium tiles for $400+.

Whatever you end up deciding, here are a few guidelines to make sure you don’t choose wrong.

Choose the Material

Commonly, there are three different types of materials to choose from when buying Mahjong tiles, and they each have advantages and disadvantages.

Melamine - Heavy and Resistant

Melamine is a sturdy and dense plastic resin that is highly scratch-resistant, durable, and easy to clean. Due to its heaviness, it makes that iconic and satisfying “clack” sound when tiles hit the table or are shuffled.

Acrylic - Polished and Delicate

Acrylic is a high-end and polished material, and it comes in solid, translucent, or dyed, vibrant colors. It’s tough and resistant to chipping, but it needs to be treated with care to avoid scuffs over time.

Bone and Bamboo - Traditional and Lightweight

If you’re buying a vintage Mahjong set, you might end up with bone and bamboo tiles, meaning the face of the tile is carved bone or ivory, while the base is natural bamboo. These tiles are lightweight and pretty fragile compared to more modern sets, as they can dry out or crack from heavy use. Still, it’s a great option for collectors or anyone who appreciates unique craftsmanship.

Make Sure You Buy an American Set

There are three different types of Mahjong sets you can buy, but only the American set includes everything you need to play American Mahjong. When shopping for a new Mahjong set, make sure you look for an American Mahjong set.

What an American Mahjong Set Includes

American Mahjong sets should include at least 152 Mahjong tiles, though most sets will include 160. If you’re not sure you’re buying a set that will work for American Mahjong, here are the specific tiles you should make sure they include:

• 36 Bam tiles (1-9, 4 of each tile)
• 36 Crack tiles (1-9, 4 of each tile)
• 36 Dot tiles (1-9, 4 of each tile)
• 12 Dragons (4 red dragons, 4 green dragons, 4 soaps)
• 8 Flowers
• 16 Winds (4 of each - North, East, West, South)
• 8 Jokers

The total number of tiles you need in the game is 152, but most sets will usually include 8 additional blank tiles to replace lost tiles.

If you find a set that is missing any of these tiles, keep looking for an adequate set. Unfortunately, this means vintage Chinese and Japanese sets won’t work for you. Chinese sets usually have 144 tiles and don't include Jokers, which are a vital part of American Mahjong.

Fall-Themed American Mahjong Supplies

Pastel Autumn Mahjong Tile Set

$112.25Ships internationally

Nothing screams jumping into a mountain of crisp autumn leaves like this warm-toned autumn set. Featuring wild mushrooms as bams, pumpkins as dots, and reindeer and hedgehogs as jokers, the only thing missing is a cinnamon scent.

Never mind, serve everyone some warm cinnamon spice tea, light our favorite pumpkin chai candle, and make it an autumn-themed Mahjong evening.

Buy on eBay

American Autumn Tile Set

$525.00Ships internationally

Crisp Fall mornings, crunchy autumn leaves, and evenings by the fireplace all come alive with this Mahjong tile set that is unmistakably inspired by the rituals and traditions of Fall in America.

Made from four layers of premium cast acrylic, these high-quality tiles are sure to become a family heirloom for generations to come.

Buy on Americana Mahj

Brown Vegan Leather Mahjong Mat by Charleston Mahjong Club

$85.00US shipping only

A neutral, leather-inspired Mahjong mat in caramel tones is the ideal rugged backdrop for all types of Mahjong tiles, especially cute autumn ones to match the vibe.

This high-quality, cowhide-inspired mat by the Charleston Mahjong Club even comes with a carrying bag, so it's easy to bring to game night. With detailed stitching around the edges and a solid finish, this mat will stay with you for many years to come.

Buy on Charleston Mahjong Club

Fall Leaves Chinoiserie Mahjong Mat

$24.99US shipping only

Burnt orange blossoms, olive and sage leaves, and brown branches are delicately arranged on a warm, cream base in this Mahjong mat. You can almost hear the wind howling between the brittle branches, letting us know that it’s time to cozy up for an indoor game of Mahjong with the ladies.

Buy on Amazon

Blonde Tortoiseshell Racks

$175.00US shipping only

Made from soft blonde tortoise acrylic with aged brass corners, this rack and pusher set brings instant warmth to a Fall Mahjong table. The honey-toned finish pairs beautifully with autumn-themed tiles, and the sturdy build means they'll hold up through many seasons of play.

Buy on Miss Mahjong

Elegant Mahogany Racks

$175.00Ships internationally

Autumn is a warm fireplace surrounded by deep mahogany, just like this rack set. Wooden racks are an excellent investment for your collection: they go well with any tiles and mats, they’re durable, they’re elegant, and they’re a pleasure to use.

Get your set of mahogany racks from Americana Mahj today.

Buy on Americana Mahj

Beige Acrylic Racks

$82.99US shipping only

These soft, scalloped and warm racks pair beautifully with your Fall Mahjong setup.

Buy on Amazon

Forest Animal Trinkets

$12.98US shipping only

Have you incorporated trinkets into your Mahjong games yet? It’s the perfect way to add a competitive edge to the game. If you want to keep it in theme for Fall, then check out these adorable forest creature trinkets.

Everyone at the table will try extra hard to win to snag an adorable hedgehog or ladybug trinket for their collection.

Buy on Amazon

Colorful Mushroom Trinkets

$8.99US shipping only

Mushrooms, forests, cinnamon...all things that inspire autumn. Surprise your Mahjong buddies by awarding them with mushroom trinkets that come in every color the next time they announce “Mahjong.”

Buy on Amazon