Mahjong guide

Mahjong party ideas: how to host a mahjong night

Plan one table for every four players, send invitations one to two weeks ahead, and set each table with a mat, score cards and place cards. Then give the night a theme, such as Christmas or Hanukkah, or play a mahjong murder mystery between hands.

By TILE & TRELLIS · Last updated October 29, 2026

1. Count your tables

Mahjong is played four to a table. Divide your guest list by four to see how many tables, sets and mats you need, and ask guests who own a set to bring it.

2. Send invitations

Send them one to two weeks before the party with the date, time, place and how to RSVP. Our party kits include a fillable 5 x 7 inch invitation you can type into and print.

3. Set the tables

A mahjong mat on each table (31.5 inch fits a standard 34 inch card table)
Score cards for four players per table
Place cards so guests know where to sit
A welcome sign at the door and a card with your house rules

4. Pick a theme

A holiday theme makes the night feel like an event: a Christmas or Hanukkah mahjong party with matching invitations, signs and score cards. Our kits come in a classic, a Christmas and a Hanukkah design.

5. Add a game beyond the tiles

A murder mystery gives guests something to talk about between hands. Our mahjong murder mysteries are for 6 to 12 players, the host can play, and nobody needs to know mahjong to solve them.