Missed Costco’s Mahjong Set? Learn How You Can Join in the Fun with These Games Under $30
Love the mahjong craze? Find wallet-friendly sets and how-to tips for playing this game inside!
Ready to join the mahjong craze that’s sweeping the nation? You’re in luck! Though Costco’s $99 mahjong set quickly flew off the shelves, there are other affordable options out there you can grab for your own game night. Whether you’re a beginner or an enthusiast looking for a new set, these budget-friendly treasures make it easy to enjoy the timeless game without spending a fortune. Keep reading to discover six options under $30, plus a basic how-to for playing.
The Costco mahjong set: why it sold out in stores
Earlier this fall, excited mahjong players spotted a set of the game at their local Costco store. The $99 set included oversized tiles that were easy to read, plastic storage trays and a canvas tote with a padded shoulder strap to carry the game pieces.
Mahjong enthusiasts couldn’t believe their eyes when they spotted this treasure and believed it to be a bargain.
“Seems to be a Chinese set, possibly made by a Chinese producer, with American patterns and jokers for export,” one Reddit user commented. “It’ll be suitable for a wide range of mahjong styles. Nice pickup.”
Other shoppers who decided to splurge agreed it was well worth the price, with large pieces that appeared to be of good quality.
But not everyone was convinced—some shoppers felt the price was too steep.
“I would buy it if it was like $25, but not $100,” one person shared on Reddit.
While Costco’s mahjong game has sold out in U.S. stores, we’ve tracked down alternatives that cost up to 70 percent less—and they’re available right now!
Best affordable mahjong sets under $30
The higher price of Costco’s mahjong set was a downside for many who might otherwise give the game a try. If you’d like to play it yourself, there are other alternatives available that won’t break the bank!
Mahjong book & kit
Beginners will appreciate this affordable option at $10, includes cards for playing and the book A Beginner’s Guide to American Mah Jongg! The diagrams and instructions make it easy to play with the 152 full-color, durable Mahjong playing cards. You’ll also find helpful winning strategies to turn you into a pro player!
Travel-friendly mahjong set
When you want to take your game on the go, this $27.99 kit on Amazon is the right fit! The Chinese set comes with 144 mini tiles, two spare tiles, two dice and a tablecloth. Best of all? A small zip-up pouch makes it easy to take along with you to the homes of your fellow players!
Playful pink Mahjong from Hobby Lobby
When you gather the girls for some Mahjong, they’ll certainly be delighted by these too-cute tiles! The $21.99 set is created for the classic game rules, but the tiles are a fun pink color. The score chips are equally vibrant, with playful hues like pink, white, turquoise and light green.
Spinmaster set at Target
You’ll have everything you need to start becoming a mahjong master thanks to this $29.99 kit at Target. It includes the 152 durable yet picturesque tiles that can be used for either the American or Chinese version of the game. You’ll also receive three dice, 80 scoring chips, a wind indicator and instructions to help anyone who is new to playing.
Virtual dinosaur-themed mahjong
Enjoy all of the fun of mahjong without the mess! Virtual game website Big Fish offers a version of the game with a prehistoric jurassic twist—all you need is a computer. Download a free trial you can play via the Big Fish Game Manager app, or buy the full version for your PC for just $6.49.
Classic mahjong
You can find more than the pretty-in-pink version of the game at Hobby Lobby. The store also sells a more classic set of white tiles ($20.99) with beautifully carved designs. Use the included plastic chips to help keep score!
What is mahjong—and how do you play?
In this tabletop game that is similar to rummy, players (traditionally four), must use printed tiles to create a “hand” comprised of four sets and a pair. The four sets are created with three tiles that are identical or form a sequence of three in the same suit. Some game variations also allow for a “kong,” which is a set of four identical tiles. The pair (also called eye) must be two identical tiles.
At the beginning of the game, tiles are shuffled and placed face down on the table, then 13 tiles are dealt to each player. The first player must draw a tile, then discard one from their rack and place it in the center of the table. The next person can either take that discarded tile or draw a new one.
If someone discards a tile that another player needs to finish a set (known as a pung), they can claim it right away! Play continues in this manner until a player wins by making a full hand.
For more detailed information on how to play, watch the video below or read the instructions provided in your mahjong set.
With so many budget-friendly options available, it’s more affordable than ever to join in the mahjong fun!
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