How to Practice American Mah Jongg Against the Computer
How to Practice American Mah Jongg Against the Computer
You can practice American Mah Jongg against three computer-controlled opponents right in your browser at Friends at Mahjong — no download, no app install, and no need to round up three other people.
Why practice against the computer
American Mah Jongg is usually learned at a table with other people, and that's a great way to learn — but it's a hard way to get in repetitions. Calling tiles, reading the card quickly, and working through the Charleston all get easier with practice, and a computer table lets you run through hands on your own schedule instead of waiting for your next group game.
What single-player looks like
At friendsatmahjong.com/single-player, you play against three computer opponents and nothing is saved. Before you start, you choose:
- Your card. Use Friends at Mahjong's own card, or play with your own 2026 NMJL card in front of you if you already have one. Friends at Mahjong is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the National Mah Jongg League — we don't sell the League's card, and you don't need an account with them to play here.
- Hand length. Free games are one hand, about a quarter of an hour — enough to run a focused practice session without committing an afternoon. Members can choose four-, eight-, or sixteen-hand games for longer sessions.
- Time to call. Dial the clock up or down depending on whether you want to drill fast decision-making or take your time working out a hand.
- Opponent pace. Set the computer players to a pace that matches how you want to practice.
Getting started
Your first game doesn't require an account at all. After that, four more free games are available once you create a free account — no card on file, and they don't expire. If you want longer practice sessions with four, eight, or sixteen hands, current membership options and pricing are on the membership page.
If you already know the game and just want reps between your regular group sessions, open a single-player table and set your own pace — on your own time.