Four Seats Journal

How to Play American Mahjong: A Calm First-Game Guide

A calm, step-by-step first-game guide covering setup, the Charleston, turns, calls, exposures, Jokers, dead hands and beginner table etiquette.

How to Host Your First Mahjong Night Without Feeling Like an Expert

A welcoming first table needs a clear plan, not a perfect host.

Everything You Need to Play American Mahjong—and What Can Wait

A practical buying and setup guide explaining the 152 playable tiles, 160-tile boxes, annual card, rack fit, table measurements and what beginners can postpone.

How to Read the American Mahjong Card Without Guessing

A copyright-safe method for reading the annual American Mahjong card by symbols, group sizes, suit colors, notes, exposure status and natural-tile requirements.

The Charleston in American Mahjong, Explained Without the Panic

Use the opening passes to improve flexibility—not to predict the entire hand.

Mahjong Etiquette for Beginners: Make Every Seat Feel Welcome

Clear calls, patient pacing, and agreed rules matter more than performing expertise.