Walmart and Sam's Club Mahjong Sets: Are Store Sets Good?

So you've been invited to a game night, and you'd like your own set. You search a big store's website, see a dozen sets at very different prices, and wonder which ones are any good. That's a very normal place to start.

We can't tell you which specific products are in stock or how they hold up, because store listings change all the time and we haven't tested them. What we can do is teach you how to check any set, at any store or website, so you buy the right one the first time.

First question: is it an American set?

This is the big one. The word "mahjong" on a box doesn't tell you which version of the game it's for. Mahjong began in China in the 1800s and is played in many styles around the world. Many inexpensive sets are made for Chinese-style mahjong, which is a wonderful game, but a different one from what your club plays.

An American set has these tiles:

• 108 suit tiles: Bams, Craks, and Dots, numbered 1 to 9, four of each
• 16 winds: four each of North, East, West, and South
• 12 dragons: four each of Red, Green, and White (Soap)
• 8 flowers
• 8 jokers

That adds up to 152 tiles. A typical Chinese set has 144 tiles and no jokers at all.

Some American sets list a few extra tiles, such as blanks or spare jokers. That's fine, as long as the full 152 are there. If you want the full tour of what's in the box, see our guide to the American mahjong set.

Racks and pushers

In American mahjong, each player uses a long rack to hold their tiles and build their part of the wall. Most racks have a "pusher" arm that slides the wall toward the center of the table. They make play much smoother.

Some sets include four racks with pushers, and some include only the tiles. Read the listing carefully. If racks aren't included, that's not a deal breaker, but add them to your budget. Our mahjong shopping list covers racks, mats, and the other extras.

Tile size and weight

Tile size matters more than you'd think, especially if your eyes like large print. Small, light tiles are harder to read and tip over easily on the rack. Look for the tile dimensions in the listing and compare them with a set you've played with, if you can.

• Check the measurements, not just the photos. Photos can make small tiles look big.
• Look for corner numbers. Many American sets print a small number or letter in the corner, which helps beginners a lot.
• Read reviews for words like "lightweight," "heavy," "easy to read," or "small."

Engraved or printed tiles

On engraved tiles, the design is carved into the tile and then painted. On printed tiles, the design sits on the surface. Engraved designs usually last longer with heavy use, while printed designs can wear over time. Either can work for a beginner. Just know which one you're getting.

Dice, case, and the little things

• Dice: most sets include two or three. You need them to decide where to break the wall.
• Case: a sturdy case with a handle makes carrying your set to game night much easier. Check that it closes securely.
• Card: sets usually don't include the current year's card. Order it from the League at nationalmahjonggleague.org.

Return policy and sellers

On big store websites, some items are sold by the store itself and some by outside sellers. Return rules can be different for each. Before you buy, check who the seller is and how returns work. Then, when the set arrives, count your tiles right away, especially the jokers and flowers, so you can return it in time if something's missing.

What if my set is missing jokers?

Maybe you already own a Chinese set, or you received one as a gift. Some players add joker stickers to blank or extra tiles so the set can be used for American play. It's an option some people choose, not something we'd call ideal, since you also need the right number of flowers and the tiles need to match. If you're curious how jokers work and why you need eight, read our mahjong joker rules.

Borrow before you buy

You really don't need your own set for your first game. Many beginners borrow one first, and that's a smart way to learn what size and style you like. Good places to ask:

• the friend or group that invited you
• your mahjong teacher or class, since many bring sets for students
• a local club, community center, or senior center
• some public libraries, which lend games

While you wait, you can learn the tiles for free with our tile quiz and try a few hands in the practice game.

Store set checklist

Take this list with you, in the store or on your phone:

1. Says "American" mahjong
2. Lists 152 tiles
3. Includes 8 jokers and 8 flowers
4. Includes 4 racks with pushers, or you've budgeted for them
5. Tile size is listed and large enough to read easily
6. You know whether tiles are engraved or printed
7. Includes dice and a case that closes securely
8. You've checked the seller and the return policy
9. You'll count every tile as soon as it arrives

Comparing sets online

If you'd like to compare more options, the links below open search results, not specific products. Use the same checklist on every listing.

Getting ready for your first game? Our First Game Night Kit includes a printable cheat sheet and original practice hands, and our beginner guides cover everything else. You've got this.