The Canasta Connection
Mah Jongg Buying Guide
There are so many sets, racks, mats, and accessories available today. Our goal is not to tell you what to buy—it is to help you understand your options and choose products that are right for you.
Some links on this page are affiliate links. We may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely like, use, or share with our students.
Before You Buy Anything
You do not need to purchase a set before your first class. We provide all supplies and bring a variety of sets and accessories so students can compare different options in person.
Start with the NMJL card
If you plan to play independently, order the current large-size card directly from the National Mah Jongg League.
Order the NMJL CardWait before choosing a set
Everyone develops different preferences for tile artwork, weight, racks, mats, and carrying cases. It is helpful to see and handle several options before deciding.
Traditional or Modern Tile Faces?
Make sure you look at all of the tiles in a set—including the dragons, flowers, and jokers—before purchasing.
Traditional Tile Faces
- Classic American Mah Jongg look
- Traditional dragons, flowers, and jokers
- A good fit if you prefer a timeless design
- Available at a range of price points
Modern Tile Faces
- Contemporary colors and artwork
- Creative dragons, flowers, and jokers
- Many themed and limited-edition collections
- Often coordinated with racks, mats, and accessories
Traditional Tile Companies
These are all good options if you prefer classic tile faces.
Mah Jongg Maven
Some sets include traditional dragons.
Code: CANASTACONNECTION — 5% off Visit Mah Jongg Maven →Where the Winds Blow
Traditional tile faces and classic styling.
Add your link hereYellow Mountain Imports
Many traditional sets, rack choices, cases, and price points.
Add your link hereGammon Village
Traditional sets with a variety of rack and storage options.
Add your link hereModern Tile Companies
These are just a few of the many modern companies now available.
My Fair Mahjong
Modern tile designs and great racks.
Code: CONNECTION — 10% off Visit My Fair Mahjong →Bespoke Mahjong
Tiles, racks, accessories, mats, and automated mahjong tables.
Code: THE CANASTA CONNECTION — 10% off Visit Bespoke Mahjong →Charleston Mahjong Club
Modern tile designs and accessories.
Code: CONNECTION — 10% off Visit Charleston Mahjong Club →Royal Mahjong Society
Modern designs and coordinating products.
Code: CONNECTION — 15% off Visit Royal Mahjong Society →Oh My Mahjong
Tiles, racks, mats, and mats with built-in cheat sheets.
Visit Oh My Mahjong →The Mahjong Line
Modern tile collections and seasonal releases.
Visit The Mahjong Line →Bam Bird Boutique
Tiles, racks, mats, and accessories.
Code: CONNECTION — 10% off Visit Bam Bird Boutique →Peace Love Mahjong
Tiles, racks, and accessories.
Code: CONNECTION — 10% off Visit Peace Love Mahjong →Miss Mahjong
Modern small-batch releases and accessories.
Code: THECANASTACONNECTION — 10% off Visit Miss Mahjong →Menschie Mahjong
Jewish-themed mahjong set.
Shop through our affiliate link →More Companies to Explore
Two Sparrows Mahjong, Sunday Mahjong, Ozark Mahjong, Brooklyn Mahjong, Mahj Tile Haus, Mahjong-Co, and others.
Add links as you update the guideAmazon Options
Amazon sets can be helpful when you want a lower-priced option or an easier return process. Always review the current listing and return policy.
Traditional faces with different tile-back, rack, and case options.
Traditional tile faces, pink backs, wooden racks, and a carrying case.
A simple and affordable option.
Traditional faces with layered acrylic construction.
Sister company to Oh My Mahjong.
Before You Play With a New Set
Many sets include replacement or extra tiles that must be removed.
Prepare the tiles before the first game
- Remove all blank tiles. These are replacement tiles if one is lost.
- Keep 8 jokers.
- Keep 8 flowers.
- Remove any extra jokers or flowers included with the set.
Choosing Racks
Racks are surprisingly personal. Some players prefer acrylic while others prefer the weight and stability of wood.
Favorite rack companies
Peace Love Mahjong, Mahj Mood, Bespoke Mahjong, and Miss Mahjong.
Browse Our Rack LinksEmily & Bev Note
Wooden racks are generally sturdier than acrylic racks. Painted wooden racks may chip if tossed around, so consider a rack bag or choose stained wood if that would bother you.
A current trend is scalloped acrylic racks with detachable pushers that allow you to interchange colors.
Choosing a Mat
Common materials include neoprene, leatherette, and felt.
Amanda Toppe Living
One of our favorite mat companies.
Tigre de Tartan
Leatherette mats.
Brittmills Design
Discount available when you sign up on the website.
Bespoke Mahjong
Use code The Canasta Connection for 10% off.
Oh My Mahjong
Includes decorative and instructional mat options.
Size
We prefer 34-inch mats over 31-inch mats because the extra space can be helpful.
Design
Some players prefer a solid mat—or at least a solid center—to reduce distractions. Others enjoy decorative or instructional designs.
Accessories
Accessories are optional, but they can make game night more functional and fun.
Mark Your Mahjong
Mahjong line markers.
Code: CC10 — 10% offMahji Mamas
Mahjong party accessories.
Code: CANASTACONNECTION — 10% offMahj and Vine
Mahjong accessories.
Code: CONNECTION — 10% offEtsy
A wide variety of accessories, mats, gifts, and resources.
How to Buy Popular Small-Batch Tiles
Some popular companies release limited quantities or use pre-orders.
Sign up for restock notices and pre-order announcements.
Popular releases can sell quickly when they return.
Mah Jongg That’s It can be helpful for sales and release alerts.
Many companies run Mother’s Day and other holiday promotions.
Act quickly when companies appear on GMA Steals and Deals.
What’s Trendy
Trends change quickly, so choose products you will enjoy beyond one season.
Acrylic racks and pushers with decorative edges.
Racks, pushers, and tile backs.
Extra lighting for the playing area.
Small dishes used to hold dice and accessories.
Useful for drinks, purses, and game accessories.
Mats, tablecloths, racks, and accessories in matching finishes.
Emily & Bev’s Favorites
Use these spaces for your current favorites and update them whenever your recommendations change.