Start with the style
The most important question is which rules you will play. American Mah Jongg needs 152 tiles including eight jokers, plus four racks. Hong Kong and most Chinese styles need 144 tiles with flowers and seasons; racks are optional. Japanese riichi needs 136 tiles, usually with red fives, plus point sticks and a dealer marker.
A set made for one style can be adapted for another with stickers or by removing tiles, but buying the right one saves trouble.
Tile size and legibility
Tile sizes vary considerably. Chinese sets often have large tiles that are pleasant to handle on a big table; Japanese tiles are smaller and designed for automatic tables; American tiles are sized to fit the standard racks. Larger tiles are easier for people with weaker eyesight.
Check legibility too. Some designer sets use beautiful but faint artwork that can be hard to read across the table, and some sets omit corner numbers.
Racks, pushers and cases
American racks hold a player's tiles on a ledge and have arms or pushers to slide the wall forward. They make play tidier and are almost essential for the American game. Many Chinese and Japanese players do without racks, standing tiles directly on the table.
A sturdy case protects tiles during travel and keeps them complete. Vintage cases are attractive but often fragile.
Budget and quality
Basic acrylic and melamine sets are inexpensive and durable. Designer sets, which boomed in the 2020s, cost more for their artwork and colours. Vintage sets range from modest to very expensive depending on material, condition and completeness.
For a first set, choose legible, complete and correctly configured over beautiful. You can always add a special set later.
