The mahjong card: release dates and where to buy
In American mahjong you can only win with a hand printed on the current year's card. The National Mah Jongg League changes the hands every year, so every player needs a new card each spring.
Checked and updated October 31, 2026
What the card is
The card, officially the League's Standard Hands and Rules card, lists every winning hand for the year, grouped into sections. Each hand shows the tiles you need, whether it can include exposures, and what it is worth. The back carries rule reminders. The League has published the American game's hands and rules since it was founded in 1937.
Learning to read it takes a little practice: how to read the mahjong card.
Why you will not find the hands on this site. The card is the League's copyrighted work, so we do not reproduce or rewrite it. Buy an official card. Many synagogue groups and charities raise money by reselling it, too.
When the new card comes out
| When | What happens |
|---|---|
| January | Orders open for that year's card |
| End of March to early April | The first batch ships to people who ordered early |
| Late April to May | Later orders ship |
| Through December | The card stays on sale from the League |
Most groups switch to the new card as soon as everyone has one, usually in April. Ask yours when they change over.
The 2027 card: going by past years, expect orders to open in January 2027. Check the League's site.
Where to buy the official card
- The National Mah Jongg League online store at nationalmahjonggleague.org. Buying direct also gets you the League's yearly bulletin with rule updates.
- Resellers: mahjong shops, teachers, Jewish community centers, synagogue sisterhoods and Hadassah chapters often take group orders.
- Avoid unknown marketplace sellers. Mahjong teacher Tom Sloper warns of counterfeit cards on Amazon and Temu that can contain mistakes.
Prices vary by size and seller. On October 31, 2026, one shop listed the League's larger 2026 card at $20.
Standard or large print?
The League sells a standard card and a larger card. The larger one is easier to read across a table and is popular with older players and anyone who plays without reading glasses. If you are not sure, the large card is the safer choice.
Other cards
A few publishers sell their own yearly cards for American-style play. They use their own hands, so they are not interchangeable with the League's card. Most lessons, clubs and tournaments use the League card, so check before you buy anything else.
| Card | Publisher | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Big Card | The Mahjong Line | Issued each January |
| International Mahjong Card | Oh My Mahjong | Uses League rules; issued in January |
| Marvelous Mah Jongg | Houston, Texas | Uses League rules; large and easy to read |
| Mah Jongg Press cards | The Mahjong Press | Annual, starter and accessible versions |
| Siamese card | Gladys Grad | For Siamese mahjong, a two-player game |
Some apps support alternative cards too. See playing online.
Card holders and covers
A card holder props the card up so you can read it without touching it; a cover or folio keeps it from bending. Both are optional. If you buy one, check that it fits the size of card you have, since the standard and large cards differ.
Common questions
When does the new mahjong card come out?
The National Mah Jongg League usually opens orders for the next year's card in January. Cards ordered early ship around the end of March or early April; later orders ship in a second batch around late April or May.
Where can I buy the official mahjong card?
From the National Mah Jongg League's online store, or through mahjong shops, teachers, synagogue sisterhoods and other groups that resell it. Be wary of third-party marketplace listings: counterfeit cards with errors have been reported.
Is there a large-print mahjong card?
Yes. The League sells a standard card and a larger card for people who prefer bigger print.
Can you play mahjong without a card?
Not standard American mahjong. Every winning hand must match one on the current card, so each player needs their own. Card-free practice is possible in some apps and with free practice cards.
What is The Big Card?
An alternative American mahjong card published by The Mahjong Line, issued each January. It has its own hands, so check which card your group plays before you buy.
What is a mahjong card holder?
A stand or folio that holds your card upright or protects it. Handy, but optional; the card is the part you need.
Why does the mahjong card change every year?
The National Mah Jongg League changes the hands yearly to keep the game fresh. Its founding goal was that everyone plays the same hands by the same rules.
When should I switch to the new card?
When your group does, usually in April once everyone has their copy.
Is a printable mahjong card PDF legal?
Copies of the League's card are not authorized. The card is copyrighted, and buying it supports the League. Free practice cards from apps and teachers are a different thing.
How much does the mahjong card cost?
It depends on the size and the seller. On October 31, 2026, one shop listed the League's larger 2026 card at $20.
Sources: National Mah Jongg League, about the League; I Love Mahj on card ordering dates; Tom Sloper, FAQ 7i on cards; Oh My Mahjong card listing; My Jewish Learning.