Mahjong Tables: Types, Sizes and What to Look For

A good mahjong table is square, comfortable for four people and big enough for four walls of tiles plus room for racks and discards. You don't need a special table to play: a card table or dining table with a mat works well. But if you play every week, a table made for the game makes a real difference to comfort and noise.

This guide explains the main kinds of mahjong table and what to check before you buy one.

Do you need a mahjong table?

Not to start. Any sturdy square or round table that seats four will do, especially with a padded mahjong mat on top. A dedicated table is worth it when:

• you host a regular group and want everyone comfortable for a few hours
• your dining table is the wrong shape or size
• you want somewhere for drinks, scoring pads and spare tiles that isn't the playing surface

Types of mahjong table

Folding tables. The most common choice for home groups. They're square, often with a padded or felt top, and fold flat for storage. Many have small drawers or trays at each seat for chips, cards and drinks.

Table toppers. A board or padded square that sits on top of a table you already own, such as a dining or card table. Toppers are easier to store than a full table, and many have raised edges that keep tiles from sliding off.

Automatic tables. Popular in parts of Asia for Chinese and Japanese mahjong. You push the tiles into the middle, and the table shuffles them and builds the walls for you. They're large, heavy and need power, and each is built for a particular tile size, so check that it works with the kind of set you play. They're a big purchase for most home players.

Floating tables. Waterproof boards, usually foam or inflatable, made for playing in a pool. They have raised edges and cup holders and are meant for summer fun rather than serious play. Use tiles you don't mind getting wet.

What size is a mahjong table?

The table needs room for four walls of tiles in the middle, each player's rack or hand in front of them, and space for discards. A square top of about 31 to 36 inches (80 to 90 cm) on each side seats four, and around 34 to 36 inches is comfortable for most sets. On folding tables, the padded playing area is usually a few inches smaller than the table's stated size, so check both. American sets with racks take up a little more room than Chinese sets played without racks.

Before you buy, measure the space where the table will go. Allow room for four chairs to pull back from the table, which usually needs much more floor space than the table itself.

What to look for

• A padded or felt surface. It quiets the tiles, which matters in apartments and late games, and makes shuffling easier.
• Square shape. Mahjong is played with a wall on each side, so a square top works far better than a rectangle.
• Stable, locking legs. Folding tables should lock firmly; a wobble moves the walls every time someone leans on the table.
• Space at each seat. Drawers or side trays keep drinks and scoring pads off the playing surface.
• Easy storage. Check the folded size and weight if the table will live in a closet between games.
• Height. A standard table height works with ordinary chairs; very low tables are uncomfortable for long sessions.

Tables for American vs. Chinese mahjong

American mahjong uses racks that hold each player's tiles and part of the wall, so players sit a little further back and need more room in front of them. Chinese and Japanese players usually stand tiles on the table without racks, so a slightly smaller table can work.

If you play American mahjong, check the table depth with your racks on it. If you're considering an automatic table, check it works with your tiles: they're usually made for Chinese or Japanese sets.

FAQ

New to the game? Start with how to play mahjong, or see our guides to mahjong mats and mahjong sets.