The best way to play American mahjong is an in-person friendly game. But for practice, quick games and virtual connection, I am turning to play mahjong online these days. I have two online platforms to play mahjong online that I prefer for the 2025 NMJL card. I do not receive any payment or free products so these are my honest opinions.
American MahJong Practice App by Eight Bam: $14.99/ year
Why I love it:
American MahJong Practice App is an inexpensive way to practice. For a one time purchase, the 2025 NMJL sequences are loaded onto the app.
The app doesn’t need wifi, so it is always available. That 60-minute plane ride Nashville to Chicago? I can play. Waiting in the hook up line at school? I can play.
This app suggests hands, so I never need my card. I memorized most of the NMJL 2024 card using this app, because it gives the most probable hands for each set of tiles dealt.
I can toggle between the suggested hands, the tiles, and the bots’ hands. After several weeks in 2024, I could pretty much stay on the bots tab because I knew the card.
The drawbacks:
There are a few negatives with the American MahJong Practice App. I play on my phone and it is small font. I find it difficult to see the tiles. There is a Charleston, but it isn’t as realistic as other apps.
I Love Mahj found on ilovemahj.com: $60/year
Why I love it:
I play this online game only on my laptop. I don’t play that often, but I do like it when I do play.
This site offers great ways to practice in The Exercise Room, especially for beginners. You can practice making the sequences/ hands on the new 2025 NMJL card. You do not need a card to do this. The site suggests hands.
When I can sit down and use my card to play, I Love Mahj is the most enjoyable online playing simulation. I use my 2025 NMJL card, pass during the Charleston and use my own experience to win. Honestly, I don’t win very often and I love the challenge.
I Love Mahj offers Siamese games. I love to play two player, so this is one of my favorite features.
Another feature I love on this site is the ability to add groups. I have added Music City Mahjong, Summer Mahjong and Chi City Mahjong. When I can’t play in person, I like that I can play a virtual game with my group. Also, we can promote in person games on the platform.
The drawback:
I rarely have my laptop and card on hand to play, so I Love Mahj can be less convenient than an app. I don’t like playing this site on my phone because the tiles are so small.
Let's play mahjong online together
The benefits to play mahjong online include practice, quick games and flexibility to play on my schedule. I will always prefer to play in person, but playing online mahjong has become an important addition to my game.
You can find me on Ilovemahj.com at MissyMahjong. Let’s connect and play!
