Sets
Mah Jongg Sets
A mah jongg set is the engraved tiles you play with, usually packaged with racks, a pusher, and a case. The one thing to check before you buy: the American game needs 152 tiles, including eight jokers. Many inexpensive sets online are 144-tile Chinese sets with no jokers, and they cannot be used for the American game, so make sure a set is American before you buy. Own an older set instead? The Field Guide identifies what it is and shows what comparable sets have sold for.
Because we don't sell sets, our picks come down to one question: which set is actually worth your money? When we link to a retailer it may be an affiliate link, disclosed on the page.
New to buying? Start here
The Buyer's Guide: How to Choose a Set
What makes a good set, and our picks, from a complete set under $200 to designer and heirloom.
Guides by need
Shopping for something specific? Start with the guide that fits.
Best budget sets
Complete American sets with jokers and racks, about $40 to $85.
Best designer sets
Hand-painted and engraved acrylic, from about $158 to $485.
Best travel sets
Compact, complete sets that pack, and the mini-tile tradeoff.
Accessories
Racks, pushers, cases, and card holders.
Browse every set
Sorted by price. American sets play to the annual card and include the jokers; Chinese sets do not.
Yellow Mountain Imports
Mini Travel Size American set ("Inkstone")
Travel and small tables: a complete American set with racks in a slim zip case.
- americanmelamine166 tilesracks included
The catch: Mini 0.8-inch tiles read small, and there are no pushers.
$62 and up
Mose Cafolo
X-Large numbered Chinese set
Learning the Chinese game, with extra-large numbered tiles that read easily.
- chinesemelamine144 tilestiles only
The catch: A 144-tile Chinese set with no jokers, so it cannot play the American card.
$64 and up
Price checked 2026-07-30
Yellow Mountain Imports
Rouge Heritage (Chinese, 146 tiles)
An affordable, good-looking Chinese set for the classic 144-tile game.
- chinesemelamine146 tilestiles only
The catch: A Chinese set with no jokers, so it is not for the American card.
$66 and up
Price checked 2026-07-30
Yellow Mountain Imports
Japanese Riichi Set (standard tiles, vinyl case)
A budget-friendly riichi set with red fives, scoring sticks, and a compact case, shipped from the US.
- japanesemelamine144 tilestiles only
The catch: Melamine tiles ship 144 (play 136 plus red fives); no racks, though riichi tiles stand on their own.
$80 and up
Price checked 2026-07-30
AMOS
Prime Gear Japanese riichi set (with mat, sticks, and compass)
The specialist riichi pick: heavy resin tiles with red fives, plus a roll-up mat and scoring sticks, no racks needed.
- japaneseurea resin144 tilestiles only
The catch: Ships 144 tiles (you play riichi with 136 plus red fives) and comes from Japan, so allow extra shipping time.
$96 and up
Amahj
Stamped and Signature sets
Teaching and newcomers: every tile is labeled, at a gentler designer price.
- americanengraved, hand-painted160 tilestiles only
The catch: Tiles-only, so add racks and a pusher to play.
$158 and up
Yellow Mountain Imports
Emerald Classic Chinese set (translucent tiles, redwood case)
The nicer traditional Chinese set: translucent green tiles in a redwood-veneer case, with scoring sticks and indicator.
- chinesetranslucent acrylic148 tilestiles only
The catch: 148 tiles with flowers and seasons and no jokers, so not for the American card; no racks, and tiles run small for fast Hong Kong play.
$179 and up
Price checked 2026-07-30
Yellow Mountain Imports
The Classic (complete, rosewood-veneer case)
Your first American set: complete and ready to play out of the box.
- americanmelamine166 tilesracks included
The catch: Plain melamine with no design flourish, which at this price is the point.
$199 and up
Price checked 2026-07-30
Mahjdays
Green Bamboo Grove (three-layer acrylic)
The most affordable of the designer acrylic sets, with a bamboo-textured tile back.
- americanthree-layer acrylic160 tilestiles only
The catch: Tiles-only, so add racks and a pusher to play.
$279 and up
Mahj & Co
5-layer acrylic sets (seasonal collections)
A mid-priced designer option with thick 5-layer acrylic tiles and rotating seasonal prints.
- american5-layer engraved acrylic160 tilestiles only
The catch: Tiles-only with no racks, and popular prints sell out, so check stock.
$295 and up
Southern Sparrow
Chinoiserie (and Riviera, Country Club)
Designer looks with a focus on deeply engraved, durable tiles.
- americanengraved solid acrylic160 tilestiles only
The catch: Still a premium price, and racks are sold separately.
$369 and up
Miss Mahjong
Full-size acrylic sets (Miss Darling and more)
Buyers who want a polished acrylic set that ships with dice, a storage box, and a printed game guide.
- americanthree-layer engraved acrylic, hand-painted160 tilestiles only
The catch: No racks or pusher in the box, and among the pricier designer sets at $375.
$375 and up
Oh My Mahjong
Acrylic American sets
Bright, modern designer sets with a strong social following.
- americanhand-painted acrylic160 tilestiles only
The catch: Premium price, and tiles-only, so budget for racks separately.
$400 and up
Crisloid
Handcrafted cast-resin sets (Flo to Heron)
An heirloom set: handcrafted in the USA, complete with cherry-wood racks and pushers.
- americancast resin160 tilesracks included
The catch: Starts around $400 and climbs into the low thousands for the flagship sets.
$400 and up
The Mahjong Line
American sets (Mountain, Botanical, Cheeky lines)
Design-forward players who want the tiles to look as good as they play.
- americanhand-painted acrylic160 tilestiles only
The catch: The priciest set here, and tiles-only: racks and a pusher cost extra.
$485 and up
Prices are starting prices and change often; where we have confirmed one, the date is shown beside it. Some retailer links are affiliate links; if you buy through one we may earn a small commission, at no cost to you. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply.