Top 10 Best Books About Mahjong
Mahjong is one of the world's oldest games, requiring players to combine their memory skills with strategic thinking and luck. Mahjong exists in multiple versions throughout Asia, Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries. The game presents an initial learning challenge, but numerous books exist to guide beginners while providing essential knowledge for experienced players who seek to enhance their gameplay.
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Why Read Mahjong Books?
Mahjong requires players to make decisions and understand probabilities, and luck plays a role in the game. Mahjong books can help players acquire knowledge about the game.
· The books provide essential information about various mahjong versions, including Chinese, Hong Kong, Riichi (Japanese), and American rules.
· The books teach players how to calculate tile efficiency and probability to create winning combinations.
· The books teach players defensive techniques and methods to analyse their opponents' discarded tiles.
· The books reveal the historical development of mahjong together with its psychological aspects.
· The books help players enhance their skills for playing mahjong with friends and competing in tournaments.
ELAIN SANDBERG, AMY LO, MEGHAN COREY & JELTE REP
1. Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg: How to Play the Game & Win
By Elain Sandberg
· Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg is a clear and welcoming introduction to the game, and Elaine Sandberg presents the rules and strategies with a friendly style that makes learning feel easy. She walks readers through tile types, the Charleston, card interpretation and basic tactics in a way that helps new players feel comfortable at the table right from the start. Sandberg explains the flow of play step by step, making the often intimidating National Mah Jongg League card much easier to understand. Her examples and illustrations show exactly how hands are built, how decisions are made and how to approach the game with confidence. The book also covers smart offensive and defensive habits, helping beginners learn not just how to form strong hands but how to protect themselves from opponents. Sandberg’s tone is warm, patient and encouraging, which makes the guide enjoyable whether you are learning alone or with a group. She also shares practical tips on common mistakes, timing and reading the table, all of which add real world value.
Readers who appreciate straightforward teaching without unnecessary complexity will find the structure especially helpful. It serves as a great starting point for players who want to learn quickly and feel confident joining live games or club sessions. For anyone looking for a friendly, reliable and easy to read introduction to American Mah Jongg, Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg remains a helpful and enjoyable read.
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2. The Complete Book of Mah Jongg
By Amy Lo
· The Complete Book of Mah Jongg is a thorough and beautifully structured guide, and Amy Lo presents the game with clarity, patience and a genuine appreciation for its history and depth. She explains tile sets, hand building, scoring and table flow in a way that helps readers understand not just how to play, but why certain decisions matter. The book covers both traditional Chinese rules and commonly played variations, making it useful for players who want a well rounded understanding of the game. Lo uses clear examples, diagrams and step by step instructions that help beginners learn the basics while still giving experienced players material to refine their approach. Her explanations of strategy, timing and defensive play add real long term value for anyone who wants to become more competitive. The tone stays calm and encouraging, creating a sense of learning from an experienced teacher rather than reading a technical manual. Lo also discusses etiquette, table behaviour and the cultural background of Mah Jongg, which gives the guide a richer, more complete feel.
Readers who enjoy detail and structure will appreciate how thoroughly she covers each part of the game. It is a strong choice for both new players who want a solid foundation and for regular players who enjoy deepening their understanding. For anyone seeking a comprehensive, reliable and enjoyable guide to Mah Jongg, The Complete Book of Mah Jongg remains an excellent resource.
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3. MAHJONG MADE EASY: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide to Playing and Winning
By Meghan Corey
· Mahjong Made Easy is a warm and inviting introduction to the game, and Meghan Corey presents the rules and strategies with a clear, beginner friendly style that takes the stress out of learning. She walks readers through tile types, turn structure, hand building and scoring in simple steps that help new players feel confident right away. Corey uses clear examples and illustrations to show how common situations unfold at the table, which makes the learning process smooth and intuitive. Her explanations focus on what players truly need to know in order to start playing effectively, without overwhelming them with unnecessary detail. The book also highlights smart habits for new players, including reading the table, avoiding common mistakes and understanding when to adjust strategy. Corey’s tone is supportive and encouraging throughout, making the guide easy to follow whether readers are learning on their own or in a group. The step by step structure lets beginners build skills gradually, which is helpful for anyone who prefers a gentle learning curve.
Readers who appreciate straightforward teaching will enjoy the way each chapter builds cleanly on the last. It is a great choice for beginners who want to feel confident before joining a live game. For anyone seeking a friendly, modern and easy to read starting point, Mahjong Made Easy offers a clear and comfortable path into the world of Mahjong.
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4. Great Mahjong Book: History, Lore, and Play
By Jelte Rep
· Great Mahjong Book: History, Lore, and Play offers a rich and engaging look at Mahjong, and Jelte Rep presents the material with a thoughtful blend of storytelling, cultural insight and clear instruction. He explains the origins of the game, its evolution across different regions and the traditions that shaped it, giving readers a deeper appreciation for Mahjong beyond the rules alone. Rep also covers tile sets, scoring, hand building and gameplay structure in a way that is easy for beginners to follow while still providing depth for returning players. The mix of history and practical guidance makes the book feel both educational and enjoyable, offering readers a full understanding of how the game works and why it has such enduring appeal. Rep’s tone is warm and steady, creating a sense of learning from someone who genuinely respects the game and its community. The illustrations and examples help clarify complex ideas and make the concepts easier to visualise.
Readers who enjoy a blend of culture, strategy and storytelling will find the approach especially rewarding. The book works well for anyone who wants to understand both the mechanics and the spirit of Mahjong. It is also a great choice for players who enjoy exploring how different rule sets and regional styles developed. For those seeking a well rounded, informative and enjoyable introduction to the world of Mahjong, Great Mahjong Book: History, Lore, and Play remains a strong and appealing read.
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TOM SLOPER, ELAINE SANDBERG & SCOTT D. MILLER
5. The Red Dragon & The West Wind
By Tom Sloper
· The Red Dragon and the West Wind is a beautifully researched guide to Mahjong, and Tom Sloper presents the game with a mix of clarity, cultural insight and genuine enthusiasm that makes the subject come alive. He explains the differences between major Mahjong styles, including American, Japanese, Cantonese and other regional variations, giving readers a wide perspective that is rare in beginners’ guides. Sloper also breaks down tiles, scoring systems and hand structures in a clear, step by step way that helps readers build confidence no matter which version they prefer. His writing is friendly and approachable, making complex rule differences feel manageable rather than overwhelming. The book stands out for its attention to history and tradition, offering context that helps players appreciate how deeply rooted the game is in various cultures. Detailed examples and illustrations help clarify how each system works in practice. Sloper’s tone is patient and encouraging, which makes the material easy to absorb whether you are learning for fun or aiming to join a specific playing group.
Readers who enjoy exploring strategy, etiquette and regional variations will find the breadth of information especially valuable. It is a comprehensive guide that rewards both beginners seeking clarity and experienced players who want a deeper understanding of the game’s global landscape. For anyone looking for an authoritative, insightful and enjoyable introduction to the many worlds of Mahjong, The Red Dragon and the West Wind remains an excellent choice.
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6. Winning American Mah Jongg Strategies
By Elaine Sandberg
· Winning American Mah Jongg Strategies is a clear and confidence building guide, and Elaine Sandberg presents her advice with the same warm, encouraging style that made her beginner books so popular. She focuses on practical methods for improving decision making, reading the table and choosing hands that offer the best chances of success under National Mah Jongg League rules. Sandberg explains how timing, tile efficiency and defensive awareness all play a role in raising a player’s win rate, and she does it in a way that feels approachable for both new and intermediate players. Her examples and hand breakdowns show exactly how strong players think through each stage of the game. The book also highlights the importance of flexibility, teaching readers how to shift strategies as the wall shortens or opponents reveal information. Sandberg’s tone stays friendly and patient throughout, making the guide easy to follow even when discussing more advanced ideas.
Readers who want to move beyond simple pattern recognition will appreciate how she connects strategy with real table situations. The insights on defensive play, risk management and recognising dangerous discards add genuine long term value. It is a helpful resource for club players who want to strengthen their competitive edge without feeling overwhelmed. For anyone seeking a practical, reassuring and well explained upgrade to their American Mah Jongg skills, Winning American Mah Jongg Strategies remains a rewarding and thought provoking read.
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7. Riichi Mahjong: The Ultimate Guide to the Japanese Game Taking the World By Storm
By Scott D. Miller
· Riichi Mahjong: The Ultimate Guide to the Japanese Game Taking the World By Storm is a clear and engaging introduction to one of the most exciting modern forms of Mahjong, and Scott D. Miller presents the material with a friendly style that makes the game feel accessible. He explains tile efficiency, yaku, calling rules and scoring in a way that helps beginners get comfortable with the fast paced nature of Riichi while still offering depth for returning players. Miller also breaks down hand building, push or fold decisions and reading opponents, making the guide useful for anyone who wants to play more strategically. The examples throughout the book show how strong players think during each phase of the hand, helping readers understand not just what to do, but why. Miller’s tone stays warm, patient and encouraging, which is ideal for a game that can feel complex at first glance. The guide also highlights the cultural appeal of Riichi and its growth in online platforms and international clubs, adding context that enhances the reader’s appreciation of the game. His explanations of danger tiles, safe tile theory and late game defence offer real value for players who want to avoid common mistakes.
Readers who enjoy structured learning will appreciate the step by step presentation and clear diagrams. It is a great choice for players who want a solid foundation before joining live Riichi sets or competitive play. For anyone seeking an approachable, practical and enjoyable guide to Japanese Riichi Mahjong, Riichi Mahjong delivers a strong and confidence boosting introduction.
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K. STRAUSER & LUCILLE EVANS, AMY LO, PATRICIA THOMPSON & BETTY MALONEY
8. Mah Jong, Anyone? The Game
By K. Strauser and Lucille Evans
· Mah Jong, Anyone? The Game is a friendly and approachable introduction to American Mah Jongg, and K. Strauser and Lucille Evans present the material with a warm, conversational tone that helps new players feel at ease. They walk readers through tile types, game flow, the Charleston and card interpretation in a clear, step by step manner that removes the intimidation many beginners feel. The examples throughout the book help readers understand how hands develop and how to make steady, practical decisions during play. The authors also explain key strategic concepts such as flexibility, tile efficiency and defensive awareness in a way that is easy to grasp. Their writing stays simple and encouraging, which is ideal for players who want a gentle, confidence building introduction. The illustrations and sample hands make the content even more accessible and show how Mah Jongg unfolds in real table situations. Strauser and Evans also include helpful reminders on common mistakes, timing and reading opponents, giving the guide real world value beyond the basics.
Readers who enjoy learning at a relaxed pace will appreciate the book’s smooth, stress free style. It is a solid choice for beginners who want to learn quickly without feeling overwhelmed by technical detail. For anyone looking for a clear, friendly and enjoyable starting point for American Mah Jongg, Mah Jong, Anyone? The Game remains a helpful and approachable guide.
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9. Book of Mah Jong: An Illustrated Guide
By Amy Lo
· Book of Mah Jong: An Illustrated Guide is a clear and visually rich introduction to the game, and Amy Lo presents her teaching with a steady, patient style that suits learners at all levels. She explains tile sets, hand structures, scoring methods and gameplay flow using detailed illustrations that make every concept easy to understand. Lo breaks down common patterns and strategic ideas step by step, helping beginners quickly recognise how strong hands develop. Her examples show real table situations, giving readers confidence as they learn how decisions unfold during play. The tone throughout the book is calm, supportive and well organised, making the guide enjoyable to read whether you are new to Mah Jongg or returning after a break. Lo also includes helpful notes on etiquette, cultural background and reading the table, adding context that enriches the overall learning experience. The diagrams are especially effective for visual learners who want to see exactly how different hands and scenarios take shape.
Readers who enjoy structured teaching will appreciate how each chapter builds smoothly on the last. It works well both as a stand alone beginner guide and as a reference book for casual or club players. For anyone seeking a clear, friendly and beautifully illustrated path into Mah Jongg, Book of Mah Jong: An Illustrated Guide remains a strong and appealing choice.
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10. The Mah Jong Player's Companion
By Patricia Thompson and Betty Maloney
· The Mah Jong Player's Companion is a thoughtful and well organised guide, and Patricia Thompson and Betty Maloney present the material with a friendly, reassuring style that makes learning feel smooth and enjoyable. The book offers clear explanations of tile types, card use, game flow and scoring, giving readers a solid foundation for American Mah Jongg. Thompson and Maloney also focus on practical strategy, showing how to choose strong starting hands, adjust to changing tiles and avoid common mistakes that slow beginners down. Their examples and sample plays help readers understand how decisions unfold in real games, making the content especially helpful for visual learners. The tone stays calm and encouraging throughout, which is ideal for players who want guidance without feeling overwhelmed. The authors also include helpful insights on defensive play, reading opponents and maintaining flexibility as the game progresses. Their structured approach makes it easier for readers to build confidence and improve steadily from session to session.
Players who appreciate clear, step by step teaching will find the format especially appealing. It is a great fit for beginners and for club players who want to refine their skills with reliable, easy to apply advice. For anyone seeking a friendly, practical and well explained guide to American Mah Jongg, The Mah Jong Player's Companion remains a valuable and enjoyable resource.
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Bonus Book Selection
Game Of Mah Jong Illustrated
By Patricia Thompson and Betty Maloney
· Game of Mah Jong Illustrated is a clear and inviting guide, and Patricia Thompson and Betty Maloney present the rules and strategies with a friendly style that helps new players feel confident right from the start. The book uses clean, easy to follow illustrations that show tile types, hand structures and gameplay flow in a way that makes Mah Jongg far less intimidating for beginners. Thompson and Maloney explain the National Mah Jongg League card, the Charleston, and scoring with step by step clarity, giving readers a strong foundation. Their examples show how hands develop and how to make practical decisions during different stages of play. The tone is calm, warm and reassuring, which makes the guide enjoyable even for readers who prefer a slower, more comfortable learning pace. The authors also cover essential strategy concepts such as flexibility, defensive awareness and timing, helping players avoid common mistakes. The visual layout is especially helpful for those who learn best by seeing examples rather than reading dense descriptions.
Readers who want a structured and easy to understand introduction will appreciate how smoothly each chapter builds on the last. It is a great choice for beginners as well as casual players who want to brush up on the basics before joining a game. For anyone looking for a friendly, illustrated and confidence building entry point to American Mah Jongg, Game of Mah Jong Illustrated remains a dependable and clearly written guide.
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BEGINNER VS ADVANCED MAHJONG BOOKS, WHAT MAHJONG BOOKS REALLY TEACH & THE OVERVIEW
Beginner vs Advanced Mahjong Books
· Beginners: Start with “Beginner's Guide to American Mah Jongg: How to Play the Game & Win” or “MAHJONG MADE EASY: A Step-by-Step Beginner's Guide to Playing and Winning” for accessible introductions.
· Intermediate: Progress to “The Complete Book of Mah Jongg” by Amy Lo or “Winning American Mah Jongg Strategies”.
· Advanced: Explore Scott D. Miller’s “Riichi Mahjong: The Ultimate Guide to the Japanese Game Taking the World By Storm” or Patricia Thompson and Betty Maloney’s “The Mah Jong Player's Companion” for deeper strategies.
What Mahjong Books Really Teach
The books about Mahjong teach players to develop patience while becoming efficient and adaptable in their gameplay. They demonstrate that luck controls tile distribution, yet players who master their skills will determine how to use their tiles effectively. The game improves significantly when players learn to discard tiles efficiently, defend their tiles safely, and read their opponents' moves. The lessons in these books provide essential knowledge for competitive mahjong play while teaching skills that extend past casual gameplay.
Overview
Mahjong is a game combining cultural heritage with strategic gameplay and enduring popularity. The top 10 books in this list provide a complete learning path from Mahjong fundamentals to sophisticated strategies that help players better understand this traditional game. The collection includes books that teach American and Riichi style mahjong to help players enhance their skills. Study classic mahjong strategies to improve gameplay before playing responsibly at UK-licensed casinos or online mahjong tables.
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