Which mahjong ruleset should I learn first?
Compare riichi, American NMJL, MCR, and Hong Kong mahjong for beginners choosing a first variant.
Choosing a ruleset first saves confusion — tile graphics and scoring differ, but the core idea (four melds + a pair) is shared.
Riichi (Japanese)
Best if you want a compact scoring system with yaku (scoring patterns) and strong online communities. Start with Riichi basics and Pinfu ranking.
American NMJL
Best if you play in-person American clubs using the yearly NMJL card. Charleston and joker tiles are unique. See American basics.
MCR (Chinese Official)
Best for international tournament style play. Many fan-based patterns. See MCR basics.
Hong Kong
Popular in Cantonese communities; fast-paced scoring. See Hong Kong basics.
Next step
Use the Start path quiz for a personalized link list, or pick one rules article and one ranking hand to study together.