Mastering American Mahjong: A Complete Guide to Rules and Strategy

by Megan Trottier

Step into the world of American mahjong with this approachable and beautiful guidebook by the founder of Oh My Mahjong, perfect for beginners and players ready to level up their game.

Whether you’re learning the tiles for the very first time or looking to sharpen your strategy, Mastering American Mahjong offers a fun, accessible path to playing with confidence and style.  

This comprehensive handbook provides you with a step-by-step overview of the rules and basic elements of mahjong, encouraging you to elevate your knowledge of the game and incorporate strategy that will set you apart at the mahjong table. With the help of engaging gameplay illustrations, you'll understand the significance of each type of tile, learn how to recognize patterns, and develop a keen eye for winning plays.  

Get ready to throw memorable game nights and create meaningful moments around the table. Whether you’re just starting out or refining your approach, Mastering American Mahjong will have you playing boldly, hosting confidently, and sharing the joy of mahjong in no time.

Genres: Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

Published October 13, 2026

Reviews

[Penelope Bloom · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like the idea of this book. I think it is probably a useful introduction to mahjong for beginners, based on the content (which actually is at odds with the title which promises a “complete guide to rules and strategy” – I am a relative beginner myself and was hoping to learn a bit of strategy to move into more of an intermediate level, but I really didn’t find much to learn in that regard here. The writing really could use a bit of improvement – some language streamlining. I am a bit conflicted about how the author talks about the suits and used really non-tradtional styles (including colors) to teach. I get it – the mahjong aesthetic nowadays varies quite a bit and there is a big emphasis on a preppier color scheme, but it does feel like an introduction to mahjong should really ground itself in the traditional coloring and characters both for ease of learning (readers are not all going to use tiles that look like the ones in the book!) but also it felt like a bit of cultural appropriation without adequate acknowledgment of the origins of mahjong, even American mahjong. In short, this book is really not for me – I could see it resonating with a particular audience, but I think it has a lot of room for improvement in order for it to really be considered a must-read for new Mahjong players (and even more if it truly promises mastery of mahjong rather than a beginner’s introduction).

[Marne - Reader By the Water · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to @tenspeedpress and NetGalley for the review copy, and congratulations to @meganjanehome on the release.

Full disclosure: I’m well past the beginner stage, so I don’t necessarily need this book for myself. But I still loved it and can see exactly who will appreciate it.

If you’ve just finished your first lesson and your head is still swirling with tiles and rules, this book will be a huge help.

It’s well organized, with gorgeous tablescape photos throughout. Megan, founder and CEO of Oh My Mahjong, covers the rules, guidelines, and etiquette, even explaining the reasoning behind some of the rules. The glossary is particularly helpful, covering both formal terminology and the casual lingo players toss around.

I’d recommend pairing this book with hands-on experience. Mahjong has a learning curve, and a few rounds with a real person can help the rules click. Keep the book handy as you learn, and you’ll have a useful reference for the rules, terminology, and etiquette as your confidence grows.

It also makes a lovely gift. Pair it with a mahjong set, and you’ve given someone an entirely new hobby.

[Suzanne (Chick with Books) Yester · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an absolute beginner who was eager to learn how to play American Mahjong, I loved Mastering American Mahjong: A Complete Guide to Rules and Strategy by Megan Trottier. The book is incredibly well organized, easy to understand, and makes learning the game feel approachable and fun.

Everything is thoroughly explained, from the basic rules and terminology to learning the tiles, reading the NMJL card, setup, dealing, and gameplay. The author also shares helpful tips and insights into the nuances of the game, which made the learning process feel much less intimidating. I found the book not only informative, but also a real confidence builder as I learned.

One of my favorite additions was the inclusion of several popular “casual” Mahjong games at the end of the book, which added even more fun and variety.

If you’re interested in learning American Mahjong, this is absolutely the book I would recommend!

P.S. Today I went to my first "Mahjong Basics" class hosted by a local Mahjong teacher. I signed up before reading Megan's book and I'm glad I was able to read it beforehand. Instead of my head spinning with what would have been an overwhelming amount of "new" information from the class, I had a greater grasp of the information ahead of time, which made it so much more fun!

I want to thank the publisher, NetGalley and author Megan Trottier for an advanced digital copy to read and review.

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mastering American Mahjong: A Complete Guide to Rules and Strategy is an absolutely beautiful and thoughtfully put together guide that feels just as welcoming to beginners as it does useful for experienced players.

The layout, art/photography , and overall design make learning American Mahjong feel approachable instead of intimidating, You can tell Megan Trottier genuinely loves the game and wants readers to feel confident at the table. Whether you are learning your first card or using a reference, this book is an incredible resource and one I know I will keep reaching for again and again. Five stars.


Thank you to NetGalley for the arc!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been playing mahjong once a month for about 5 months now. I wish I had a resource like this before beginning! Mahjong has tons of rules, but this short book (with lots of beautiful pictures!) explains them in easy to understand terms and examples. It also includes a bit of history about the game. I read it in about an hour. Someone not familiar with the game will probably take longer, but if you are new to or considering starting to play mahjong, this will be a terrific reference.

Highly recommended!

Family friendly.

Thanks to NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Cynde · Rating 5 out of 5]

American Mahjong is presented in a well researched and described volume with wonderful charts, diagrams and photographs to help the reader interested in learning to play Mahjong. It begins with describing each of the tiles with their function and manner of play. The background and history of the tiles is included. There are diagrams of the layout and the order of play. Included is a glossary of common words, a section of FAQ and an index to help locate topics The book includes an overview of the variations of play such as how to play with three or two players. The book is an excellent resource for those who want to learn American Mahjong.

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book courtesy of NetGalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.

Overview: Mahjong has become more visible in the computer era. We've seen how the original game is played. How does the American variation differ? Let's find out.

Likes: This book does show many of the differences between the original Mahjong and American Mahjong.

We're also given the ways to play Mahjong with two to three people, instead of the original four.

Conclusion: This is a good book. I just think that I'd prefer to play the original game. If you like Mahjong, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.

[Jackie McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Ten Speed Press for access to this title. Trottier's fun and beautiful introduction to American Mahjong is a perfect primer for anyone new to the game or in need of a quick refresher. She describes the flow of the mahjong game by including easy-to-follow examples and tile visuals, supplemented with fascinating tidbits of history. I loved the design of this book with creative tablescapes and patterns at the beginning of each chapter. As a mahj maven since the mid-2000s here for the "Mahjaissance," I wish I had access to this fantastic resource when I learned to play, but know I will return to it as I continue my mahjong adventures.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun book, this is a detailed guide about the game itself. It includes details about the different tiles, hands, parts of play, and everything you could possibly need to know to successfully play your first game. Also goes over the rules, so you're clear and there's no questions. It also has plenty of clear images showing the setup and some are just shots of things in progress. Great guide, brightly colored theme that follows what's on the cover too.

I received an advanced reader copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Maritere Matosantos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mastering American Mahjong by Megan Trottier

As a beginner, I enjoyed this book tremendously. Compared to others I have read, I found this one to be very clear, take the reader step by step and anticipate whatever questions I might have and Ms Trottier certainly did that. It’s a beautifully crafted book, on excellent paper with beautiful illustrations! The area I would improve perhaps would be on adding more on the strategy side. I certainly would buy a more advanced book if the author were to write one!

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed Mastering American Mahjong: A Complete Guide to Rules and Strategy! The book is visually appealing, well organized, and exceptionally easy to follow. The explanations of the game are clear, concise, and accessible, making it an excellent resource for both beginners and players looking to strengthen their understanding of American Mahjong. It serves as a valuable reference guide that I would highly recommend to anyone learning the game.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great source if you are wanting to learn the rules to playing American Mahjong. It explains step by step the meaning of the tiles, how to set up the game and how to play the game. I also enjoyed the different explanations on how to play 2 person and 3 person mahjong as sometimes it is hard to find enough players. 😆 This would be a great gift for someone wanting to learn.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honesty review.

[Deborah Rosen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the format and the illustrations. Very attractive looking. Explanations if the game are very clear and understandable. This is an excellent resource and reference for people learning to play the game.

I received an eARC copy of this book from Net Galley. Thank you to Net Galley and Megan Trotter for this advanced copy.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clear, concise and cogent guide if you are new to the game. Remember: a flower is a flower is a flower, never (ever) use a joker as a pair or a single and practice, practice, practice. I am very much in the practice stage and am fortunate to play with patient friends.

[Aimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great little book to get you started or strategizing or playing different methods of mahjong! The text is concise and clear and the photos and artwork is gorgeous! Every mahjong player should have one on hand!