How we work

Here is how a Mahjong Almanac page gets built, and how to check it.

Verified, or it does not ship. Every fact in our data, every set spec, tile meaning, and date, carries a verified flag. If we cannot confirm something, we leave it out rather than guess. A blank is better than a wrong answer.

Two independent sources. Substantive claims are backed by at least two reliable, independent sources, and we keep the citations on file. For the game's history we lean first on Annelise Heinz's scholarship.

We recommend on the merits. When we say a set is worth buying, that judgment rests on materials, construction, value, and fit for the player, never on what pays us. Some outbound retailer links are affiliate links, disclosed on the page.

We lead with China. We name every layer of the history, and we link to the Asian and Asian-American voices who know the game best.

No affiliations. Mahjong Almanac is not affiliated with the National Mah Jongg League or any maker, retailer, or brand. We reference them by name where it is useful, and we point card buyers to the League's own store.

Found something wrong? Tell us, with a source, and we will fix it and credit the correction.