Each year, the release of the National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) card brings fresh excitement—and sometimes a bit of confusion—for American Mahjong players. The 2025 NMJL card is no exception, and one line that’s already stirring up questions comes from the Any Like Numbers section. If you’ve found yourself second-guessing how to approach this hand, you’re not alone!
Why This Hand Is More Challenging Than It Looks
At first glance, this hand looks fairly straightforward: you need two pairs of the same number in different suits, followed by matching number pungs to complete the hand. But there are two important details that make this hand deceptively tricky:
- Jokers are not allowed in the pairs. You will need all four of the tiles used for your pairs naturally, without the use of Joker.
- You cannot call a tile to complete either pair—unless it’s the final tile you need to declare Mahjong.
These restrictions mean you’ll need to build this hand patiently and hold onto pairs early in the game without revealing your strategy too soon. It’s a waiting game that can be difficult to execute, especially in fast-paced tables or with more aggressive players.
What Does “Any Like Numbers” Mean?
“Any Like Numbers” refers to a family of hands where you choose a number (e.g., all 3s, all 6s, all 9s, etc.) and repeat that number across different suits. It gives you flexibility in choosing your starting point but still requires precision and balance in tile collection.
We are reviewing is the 2nd line down on Any Like Numbers, shown as:
FFFF 11 111 111 11
For this specific 2025 hand, you’ll need:
- A pair of the same number in one suit
- Another pair of that same number in a different suit
- Additional matching pungs to complete the pattern
Key Tips for Playing This Hand
- Start collecting like numbers early, especially if you notice they’re not being discarded often.
- Be cautious about discarding potential pairs, even if they seem “dead weight” early on.
- Track your jokers wisely—they’re only useful for the non-pair sets in this hand.
- Plan your exposures carefully to avoid signaling your hand type too soon.
Still Confused? Watch the Video!
We’ve created a short video tutorial that walks through this exact hand on the 2025 NMJL card. In just a few minutes, you'll understand how it works, how to play it strategically, and what to watch out for.
Shop the video: mahjong tiles, racks, game table playing mat, and NMJL Card
Questions? Let’s Chat!
Have a different hand you’re unsure about? Want to dive deeper into NMJL strategy or need help interpreting card language? Leave a comment below or shoot us a message—we love helping fellow players sharpen their skills and build confidence at the table.
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As you learn the new card, a Mahjong Line Marker can really help you keep track of your hand. Shop the Mahjong Line Markers we created with Mark Your Mahjong here.