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American 166-Tile Set with Racks — mahjong set
American sets · American

American 166-Tile Set with Racks

The standard American set: 166 tiles, 8 jokers, four racks, in a hard case.

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Game
American (NMJL)
Tiles
166 (incl. 8 jokers, 8 flowers)
Tile size
1.2" × 0.9" × 0.6" (31 × 23 × 15 mm)
Material
Melamine or acrylic tiles, engraved and painted
Includes
4 racks, 2–3 dice, wind indicator, bettor, carrying case

Tile dimensions are the common nominal figure for this type of set and vary by a millimetre or so between factories.

What this set actually is

This is the set most American mahjong groups play on: 166 tiles including eight jokers and eight flowers, with Arabic numerals on the craks and dots so new players can read a hand without memorising characters. The racks are the long plastic kind that hold thirteen tiles on edge and double as a pusher when you build the wall.

The case matters more than it looks. American sets travel to other people’s houses constantly, and a soft case lets tiles rattle against each other until the corners chip. The hard-shell case with fitted trays is the version to look for.

What this set is not: a Chinese set with a joker sticker on four tiles. Several listings describe a 144-tile set as "American" because it includes a few blanks. If the tile count is not 166, it will not play the NMJL card.

What sets it apart

  • Full 166-tile count — the jokers are what make it an American set
  • Racks included, so you are not buying them separately in week two
  • Standard 1.2-inch tiles fit every American mat and rack on the market

Who should buy it

Anyone starting American mahjong who wants the set a club would recognise.

Not sure this is the right one? Compare it against every other set or read our guide to choosing between them.

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