# Learn American mahjong at your own pace

[Canonical page](https://jongg.app/learn/american-mahjong)

Last updated: 2026-11-04

Find short American mahjong lessons, printable tile and Charleston references, a teacher practice packet and a path into guided play.

## A little practice. A little more confidence.

Choose what would help today: recognizing the tiles, trying a small exercise or sitting down for a guided hand. These resources are for American mahjong.

Browser lessons are free. No account or download needed.

- [Try a short lesson](https://jongg.app/learn/quick)

## Quick answers

One question each, answered first, then the steps, then the exercise that practices it.

- [How do you play American mahjong?](https://jongg.app/learn/american-mahjong/how-to-play)
- [What is the Charleston?](https://jongg.app/learn/american-mahjong/charleston)
- [How do jokers work?](https://jongg.app/learn/american-mahjong/jokers)
- [What is the card?](https://jongg.app/learn/american-mahjong/the-card)
- [How do you call a discard?](https://jongg.app/learn/american-mahjong/calling-a-discard)
- [What tiles are in a set?](https://jongg.app/learn/american-mahjong/tiles)
- [How do you score American mahjong?](https://jongg.app/learn/american-mahjong/scoring)
- [Which hand on the card am I closest to?](https://jongg.app/learn/american-mahjong/closest-hand)
- [What is a dead hand?](https://jongg.app/learn/american-mahjong/dead-hand)

## I’m new to the tiles

Start with a printable picture reference for the suits, winds, dragons, flowers and jokers. Keep it beside you while you learn the names.

- [See what’s on the tiles](https://jongg.app/print/whats-on-the-tile)

## I want a small practice plan

Follow seven exercises covering suits, Charleston passes, jokers, pairs, calls, strategy choices and table manners. Each exercise gives you a small decision and feedback before you move on.

- [Follow the practice plan](https://jongg.app/learn/american-mahjong/practice-plan)

## I need a reference at the table

Open the Charleston sequence before your next pass. The reference links to an exercise so you can try selecting tiles yourself.

- [Open the Charleston reference](https://jongg.app/print/charleston-cheat-sheet)

## I’m helping someone learn

The teacher practice packet gathers seven exercises with links and QR codes. Choose the exercise that matches your lesson, print the sheet and let learners revisit it afterwards.

- [Open the teacher packet](https://jongg.app/print/teacher-practice)
- [Teaching a class? Bring it to JONGG](https://jongg.app/teachers)

## I’m ready for a guided hand

Practice with three bots and guidance as you play. Bring your own printed National Mah Jongg League card and check the supported edition before starting. JONGG is independent of the League; these resources do not replace its card or official rules.

- [Check the current card](https://jongg.app/card)

## Keep exploring

- [Choose an American mahjong app](https://jongg.app/learn/american-mahjong/choose-an-app)
- [Start a guided hand](https://jongg.app/play/deal?level=new)
- [American mahjong in plain words: the glossary](https://jongg.app/glossary)
- [I play every week: find your starting point](https://jongg.app/learn/start)
- [Joker reference](https://jongg.app/print/joker-guide)
- [All printable resources](https://jongg.app/print)
- [Host a beginner-friendly night](https://jongg.app/host/mahjong-night)