The NMJL card, explained
The card is a folded sheet published every spring by the National Mah Jongg League listing all the winning hands for that year. Every player needs their own copy of the current card, which you buy directly from the League (large print is available). The hands are copyrighted, so we explain how to read the card but never reproduce it.
When it changes
A new card comes out each spring; tables switch once everyone has one.
Where to buy it
From the National Mah Jongg League's website or by mail. Beware of photocopies and PDFs: sharing the hands isn't allowed.
How to read it
Sections, colours for suits, X and C, and values: see lesson 5.
Why everyone needs the same card
Every hand at the table is checked against the current year's card, so all players need that year's edition. Last year's card doesn't count, even if a hand looks similar.
Common questions
Can I print the mahjong card from a PDF?
No. The hands are copyrighted by the National Mah Jongg League, so copies and PDFs aren't allowed. Buy a card for each player.
Is there a large-print card?
Yes. The League sells a large-print version alongside the standard card.
Can we keep playing last year's card?
Tables switch to the new card once it's out. For practice at home you can use any card, but in a real game everyone uses the current one.