Errors on the NMJL 2025 cards are an embarrassment. The time has come for modern American mahjong cards.

The start to the American mahjong year has arrived with the release of the 2025 NMJL card. After months of anticipation and excitement surrounding this release, we were all left a bit disappointed when the cards arrived in our mailboxes. American mahjong players are now starting to open their eyes and search for a new authority in this tile game.

Errors

This card has one major error under consecutive runs. At first, NMJL expected players to overlook the printed line and read the instructions under parentheses.

We are now promised a reprint, but we will see if and when that happens.

It has been reported that there are three errors on the NMJL 2025 cards. As one expert noted, one of the errors isn’t exactly wrong, but it isn’t right. Clarity is lacking on this card.

Cards aren’t consistent

I have been supporting purchasing cards issued from the NMJL. All player cards should have the same information and be consistent. This year, the NMJL issued cards with differences on the large print cards vs the standard cards.

I have long supported the integrity of the cards. Until this point, I have not allowed players to bring counterfeit Amazon cards to my table. This was for the consistency of all the cards at the table and the support for the NMJL. I believed the League spent months creating each new card. It was my understanding that the NMJL checked to be sure details were well researched and printed correctly.

The League is playing the blame game

The League should have taken ownership of the wrong cards mailed out immediately. Misprinted cards should have been reprinted and resent. Instead, the NMJL first blamed the printer for the mistake. The League asked the customers to correct the cards they purchased.

 As a mahjong teacher that has used the NMJL rules and card, I placed a large order. I’m not even selling these cards or charging for lessons, so this is a big cost for me. I find it disappointing that I was expected to correct the errors myself.

The future of NMJL

With my wrong cards in hand, I’m recommending we move on from the NMJL as the authority. After 88 years, they have been an important part of the American mahjong game. In 1937, NMJL standardized the rules. For almost 80 years, the League kept the game alive while most others were moving on to other hobbies.

In 2025, it seems that NMJL is lacking quality control and effective leadership. It is time to thank the League for the contribution to the American version of mahjong and move on to new cards.

Modern Mahjong Cards

The future of American mahjong is modern cards. Just as modern mahjong tiles have replaced the traditional tiles, we will see modern cards replace the NMJL card.

American mahjong is experiencing a new wave of players that are looking to create new traditions. The new players will put their stamp on this game in 2025 and use modern tiles, refreshed accessories and new cards.

Reprinted cards

As of Friday, March 28th, the NMJL has recognized the errors on the website. New 2025 cards are expected to be reprinted and sent out at a later date. We are expected to play with the erroneous NMJL cards until then.

I personally can move past mistakes. I will still play with the correct NMJL cards. However, the League has left a bruise on their reputation. They have held themselves out to be the main authority in American mahjong and now my opinion has been shifted.

We all make mistakes, but we also have to know when to seek out alternatives.

The time is now to start accepting other cards at friendly mahjong games and tournaments. We are ready to modernize the game yet again.

I will be bringing sets of cards from The Queen of Tiles to my next social clubs if anyone is interested in giving them a try!