# American Mahjong vs Chinese Mahjong: What Changes?

**Quick answer:** American and Chinese mahjong are regional styles of one tile game from China. American mahjong is known for Joker tiles, the Charleston, and a card of hands. Mahjong Island is American-style mahjong on its own Island Card.

Source: https://mahjongisland.com/blog/american-mahjong-vs-chinese-mahjong · Mahjong Island · Updated 2026-10-29

American mahjong vs Chinese mahjong is a question of style. Both are regional styles of one tile game that comes from China.

## Where do both styles come from?

Both styles share one root. Mahjong is a tile game that took shape in China in the 1800s. Today there are many regional styles, including Chinese, Hong Kong, Japanese Riichi, and American mahjong.

## What is American mahjong known for?

American mahjong is known for these features:

## Where does Mahjong Island fit?

Mahjong Island is American-style mahjong on its own Island Card. It keeps the familiar tiles, the Charleston, and Jokers. The card of hands is written by Mahjong Island, with 3 new Bonus Hands each month.

You win by completing one hand on the Island Card: 14 tiles that match one line on the card. The Island Card 2027 has 45 hands in 9 sections.

Each hand is written as groups of identical tiles. A Single is 1 tile, a Pair is 2, a Set is 3 (called a pung in traditional mahjong), and a Quad is 4. Some lines also ask for numbers in a row, like 1-2-3-4-5, as Singles.

For a plain introduction, read [How to Play Mahjong Island](/guides/how-to-play-mahjong). You can also learn every tile name in [Mahjong Island Tiles Explained](/guides/mahjong-tiles).

[Play a hand free](https://mahjongisland.com/play?new=1)

## Frequently asked questions

### Does Mahjong Island use the American yearly card?

No. Mahjong Island uses its own Island Card, written by Mahjong Island, with 3 new Bonus Hands each month.

### Can beginners play Mahjong Island online?

Yes. Mahjong Island is free in your browser at mahjongisland.com, against 3 bots, with no sign-up and no download.