YOUR VISUAL FIELD GUIDE
American mahjong tiles.
Names, pictures & counts.
Meet dots, bams, cracks, winds, dragons, flowers, and jokers. This illustrated library shows 36 reference faces; a standard American playing set contains 152 physical tiles. Select a tile for a closer look.
By Mingos & Mahj · Reference expanded and sources checked September 23, 2026.
How many tiles are in an American mahjong set?
A standard American playing set has 152 tiles: 108 numbered suit tiles, 16 winds, 12 dragons, eight flowers, and eight jokers. Some boxes include spare tiles; those extras are not part of the 152 used for play. See Tom Sloper’s illustrated set overview.
| Family | Count | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Dots | 36 | Four each of numbers 1–9 |
| Bams (bamboo) | 36 | Four each of numbers 1–9 |
| Cracks (characters) | 36 | Four each of numbers 1–9 |
| Winds | 16 | Four each: East, South, West, North |
| Dragons | 12 | Four each: red, green, white |
| Flowers | 8 | Includes season designs used as flowers |
| Jokers | 8 | Eight playing jokers |
| Total | 152 | Keep spares separate |
Count calculation: three suits × nine values × four copies = 108; add 16 + 12 + 8 + 8 = 152. Sources: Sloperama’s American set description and illustrated set overview. These are independent expert references, not League publications.
Why does this guide show 36 faces instead of 152 tiles?
Our original library shows one face for each of the 27 suit values, four winds, three dragons, and a representative flower and joker: 27 + 4 + 3 + 1 + 1 = 36. It teaches recognition without repeating identical copies. The flower illustration is an example, not an inventory of flower artwork.
Do flower numbers and season pictures change the tile?
In American mahjong, flower and season designs are used as flowers regardless of the printed number. Other mahjong styles can handle them differently. Mahj Life’s explanation of flowers describes this distinction; consult the current official rules for play.
Why does the one bam look like a bird?
A bird commonly represents the one bam, although its design varies by set. A white dragon may look like a rectangular frame. Compare the symbols as well as the colors in Sloperama’s photographed examples.
Your set may use different art or colors. Use the number and symbol together, and ask your group to identify unfamiliar designs.
Independent educational resource; not affiliated with the National Mah Jongg League. Use the League’s current card and official instruction book for complete playing rules.
Try a three-tile recognition exercise
- Choose Dots in the library and select the 3 dot. Say its number and suit aloud.
- Choose Bams and find the 3 bam. Notice what changes and what stays the same.
- Choose Cracks and find the 3 crack. Now name all three without using color as your only clue.
Ready for a quick check? The trainer below gives you choices and lets you revisit missed tiles. For local guided learning, see our Palm Beach County learning guide and upcoming class information.
Cite or share this guide
Mingos & Mahj. American Mahjong Tiles: Names, Pictures & Tile Counts. Reference expanded September 23, 2026. mingosandmahj.com/tools/tiles
This update adds the count table, explains the 36 reference faces, and adds a recognition exercise. See our editorial approach or report a correction to hello@mingosandmahj.com.