Buying a set

This decision shapes everything else. Double-12 (91 tiles) is the standard set, plenty for groups up to 7 players. Double-15 (136 tiles) is built for 8 or more, or for players who want longer games — but it costs more and makes every other choice harder: more colors to tell apart, bigger racks, a bigger case. We'd default to double-12 unless you regularly play with 8 or more.

Purists often prefer dots, but often come around to the practicality of numerals. Numerals are also obviously the better option for players without perfect vision.

Both styles are usually color-coded by value, and some shades end up similar enough to cause confusion. Numerals are easier to read at a glance and avoid the problem almost entirely.

Racks are definitely worth having. Without one, players try to stand their tiles up on the table, and they topple the moment someone bumps it. We recommend 8, so everyone at the table has one.

There are two rack design considerations worth watching for: width and tilt. Width matters because some racks are too narrow for a full hand of 15 tiles — reviewers complain about it often enough that it's worth checking before you buy. Tilt is a nice touch too, angling each tile back so it's easy to read.

Racks are also easy to buy separately, including elevated ones built like stadium seating so a full row doesn't hide the one behind it — a good add-on later if the racks that came with your set fall short.

Hard or soft is really just preference.

What matters is whether it's easy to repack. Most cases use a clamshell design, packed into one half before closing the other. A little extra room there makes it painless; a snug fit built around foam cutouts means wrestling with it every time. Reviews are the best place to check for this before you buy.