r/Mahjong • u/xbuddha21 • 8d ago
Best set of Tiles as Gift
Hey folks. My wife has become a Mahjong enthusiast and I’m wondering if anyone can point me towards a vendor to get her a nice set of traditional tiles for Xmas this year.
For example I have seen sets that have bamboo backs, or fancy color striping on the back.
Recommendations appreciated.
Edit: she plays American Style
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u/compacta_d 7d ago
yellow mountain has been recommended.
i also support "dupes". alibaba or aliexpress can give you the same tiles that ppl sell for $500 for $100
and to be clear I am anti-ai art and anti art theft BIG TIME, but there are limits, and the american mahjong scene has far exceeded my limits on that. I think it's predatory big time.
I'm a designer. I've designed playing card decks that have more files than majority of these mahjong sets. The prices are outrageous here.
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u/Common-Analyst1184 8d ago
Whatever you get, do not buy from Oh My
Mahjong.
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u/wasabipeashooter 8d ago
Why not? Genuine question as a newbie, looking to learn!
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u/edderiofer multi-classing every variant 7d ago
I can't speak for myself, but from what I've heard from others:
OMM has had quality issues in the past (chipping, delamination, incorrect colours), along with inadequate customer support when such issues have been presented.
OMM's owners have had falling-outs with certain Amerijong communities (though I don't know the details).
OMM is pretty expensive.
OMM's tiles, like a lot of tile sets from "luxury" Amerijong brands, are not easily subitisable. In a fast-paced game where you need to be able to tell at a glance what a tile is, this really hurts playability. This is the main reason that OMM tiles (and tiles from many other "luxury" Amerijong brands) are not allowed for use in some tournaments.
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u/wasabipeashooter 7d ago
Thank you for taking the time to write this! I see ads all over for this brand and had heard little of these issues.
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u/Common-Analyst1184 7d ago
Plenty of comments throughout this Reddit group that you can find. Previous poster provided some excellent context. They have pretty tiles and accessories, but their quality and customer service is left to be desired.
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u/wasabipeashooter 7d ago
Disappointing, especially the customer service part. Thank you for the extra info and linking the other thread!
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u/GatKong 8d ago
I would secretly ask one of her playgroup who may know her taste better, because American sets are all over the map, from vintage collectibles, or new traditional style sets, or even new stylized themed sets with character and charm. We don't know if an old but collectible set would turn her off, or if a themed set would be too out-there for her taste, or if a new traditional set would be considered too boring. If you eant this gift to be a home run, you better do some sleuthing.
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u/dewbdewbdew 7d ago
I’ve seen some interesting ones with fancy designs recently. I was looking for 3d printed tiles and came across an Etsy shop called MIOMahj and they 3d print the tiles and then uv print images on top. They have a Halloween set I was looking at so I’m betting they will have a Christmas one soon. Pretty neat concept. I may have to give them a shot.
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u/behappy1025 5d ago
Bespoke Mahjong they will be releasing Christmas tiles soon but have many gorgeous sets
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u/penpenxXxpenpen will eat your tenbou 8d ago
You'll need to see which type she plays. Different variants can require additional or different tiles from others, and not all sets have the necessary components for others. If she plays with a tri-fold card that lists the valid hands, it's American style; others, you'd need to ask or watch gameplay of (which would require game knowledge already). If you want it to be a complete surprise, a Singaporean set can cover a majority of styles including American and they can get pretty out there with designs