FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for help with a product, an order, or your first American Mah Jongg game? Find quick answers below. If you still need help, email us at info@callmahj.com and we’ll be happy to assist.

Products & Choosing a Set

Our American Mahjong collections are designed for American-style play. Product details vary by design, so check the individual product page for the exact tile count, markings, dimensions, materials, and included pieces.

The tile count is listed on each product page. Before ordering, compare that number with the requirements of the version of Mahjong you plan to play. American Mah Jongg sets normally include Jokers and additional tiles that may not appear in traditional Chinese sets.

Only the items named in the product description are included. Some listings may contain tiles only, while others may be bundles. Review the “What’s Included” section before purchasing.

Unless a product page specifically says otherwise, assume the annual playing card is not included. Because the card changes each year, players generally purchase the current card separately from the organization whose rules they use.

Yes. American-style tiles with readable suit and honor markings can make recognition easier for new players. Beginners should also consider tile size, weight, contrast, rack compatibility, and whether the set includes everything needed for their table.

Compare the tile dimensions shown on the product page with the usable width and depth of your racks. If you already own racks, measure the tile channel rather than the rack’s total outside dimensions.

We aim to represent each design accurately, but color may vary slightly because of screen settings, lighting, photography, and normal production variation. Small differences that do not affect use are not generally considered defects.

Availability depends on the product. If you have a personalization or custom request, please email info@callmahj.com with the product name and details of what you would like. Our customer service team will confirm whether the request is possible, along with any additional cost and production time. Personalized, custom, and made-to-order products are normally final sale unless they arrive damaged, defective, or incorrect.

Product Care

Wipe tiles gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth, then dry them immediately. Do not soak them or place them in a dishwasher. Avoid abrasive cleaners, alcohol, solvents, and harsh chemicals, which may damage printed, painted, or layered surfaces.

Store tiles clean and dry in their original box, a storage case, or divided trays. Keep them away from prolonged direct sunlight, high heat, excessive moisture, and heavy objects that could scratch or deform the pieces.

Use a clean Mahjong mat or soft, stable playing surface. Avoid sliding tiles across rough tables, and keep food, drinks, candles, and strongly colored liquids away from the playing area.

Learning American Mah Jongg

Start with the American Mahjong for Beginners series in our Learn & Play section. Learn the tile families first, then table setup, the Charleston, Jokers, reading the card, calling tiles, and the basic turn sequence before playing a full practice hand.

American Mah Jongg is normally played with four people. Some groups use two- or three-player house rules for practice or casual play, but those variations may change the dealing, passing, or drawing procedure. Agree on the rules before starting.

The Charleston is a structured tile-passing sequence used near the beginning of an American Mah Jongg game. Its purpose is to help players shape their hands before regular turns begin. The exact sequence and stopping rules should follow the rules your table has agreed to use.

No. Under standard American Mah Jongg rules, Jokers are not passed during the Charleston. Keep any Joker in your rack and choose eligible tiles for each pass.

No. Jokers substitute within eligible groups of three or more identical tiles, such as Pungs, Kongs, and Quints. They are not used in singles or pairs. The current card and the rules used by your group control whether a specific grouping is legal.

The card defines the winning hands and any card-specific notes used for that year. Older cards are useful for practice, but use the current card when playing in a group that follows the current annual rules.

Our guides are educational introductions intended to make the game easier to learn. For tournament play, formal disputes, or card-specific questions, follow the current official card, its accompanying rules, and the procedures agreed upon by your group or event organizer.

Orders & Shipping

Standard orders are usually processed in about 3 business days. During peak periods, processing may take approximately 5–7 business days. Personalized or custom products may require additional time as stated on their product pages.

After dispatch, delivery to the United States typically takes 5–12 business days. This is an estimate rather than a guarantee; customs, severe weather, carrier delays, and remote destinations can affect delivery. See our Shipping Policy for full details.

Most orders ship from our production or fulfillment partners in China. The shipping origin and carrier route may vary depending on the items ordered and the destination.

Yes. Tracking information is emailed after the order has been dispatched. It can take a little time for the carrier’s tracking page to show its first update.

Free standard shipping is available on qualifying orders of $200 or more after discounts. For orders below that amount, available shipping methods and charges are shown at checkout. See the Shipping Policy for current terms.

Orders shipped to the United States use DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) shipping. Applicable import duties and taxes are included, so customers should not normally be asked to pay additional customs charges upon delivery. If a carrier or customs office unexpectedly requests payment, please contact us before paying so we can review the shipment.

Email info@callmahj.com as soon as possible with your order number and the complete correct address in English. We will try to help, but an address cannot always be changed after processing or dispatch has begun. Avoid using a P.O. box unless the selected carrier confirms it can deliver there.

Check the delivery location, household members, neighbors, building reception, and any safe-place photo or note from the carrier. Then contact the carrier for delivery confirmation. If the parcel is still missing, email us with your order number and tracking details. A shipment is treated as lost when the carrier officially confirms the loss.

Returns, Cancellations & Damaged Orders

Most eligible items may be returned or exchanged within 30 days of delivery with proof of purchase. Items must be unused, unplayed, complete, in their original packaging, and in resalable condition. Please read our Return & Refund Policy before sending anything back.

Personalized, custom, made-to-order, used, digital, clearance, and final-sale items are normally non-returnable unless they arrive damaged, defective, or incorrect. Eligibility is determined under the full return policy.

Email info@callmahj.com with your order number, the reason for the request, and relevant photos when applicable. Wait for return authorization and the correct return address before shipping anything. Unauthorized returns may be refused or delayed.

For a change-of-mind return, the customer is responsible for return shipping, and the original shipping charge is generally non-refundable. If we sent an incorrect item or an item arrived damaged or defective, contact us so we can review the appropriate solution.

After an authorized return is received and inspected, approved refunds are normally processed within 5–7 business days to the original payment method. Your bank or card issuer may need additional time to post the credit.

For a standard order, contact us within 5 hours of purchase to request cancellation. We will consider the request, but cancellation is not guaranteed once processing has started. Custom or personalized orders may enter production quickly and may not be cancellable.

Contact us promptly at info@callmahj.com. Include your order number and clear photos or video of the item, shipping box, internal packaging, and shipping label. Keep all packaging until the claim is resolved, as the carrier may require it for review.

Still Need Help?

Email info@callmahj.com or visit our Contact Us page. For order questions, include your order number so we can assist you more quickly.