Why Does the NMJL Card Change Every Year?
 

The NMJL card changes every year to keep American Mah Jongg consistent, balanced, and engaging for players nationwide.

 

The annual update introduces new hand patterns and removes others while maintaining the same overall structure of play.

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Changing the card each year prevents the game from becoming repetitive and ensures that no single strategy or set of hands dominates over time. It also gives new and experienced players the same reset point each season, allowing everyone to learn the new card together.
 

Although the specific hands change annually, the core rules of American Mah Jongg remain the same. Players continue to use the current year’s NMJL card as the sole reference for legal winning hands during that playing season.
 

Published by the American Mah Jongg Association — the trusted home for American Mah Jongg players.