Why Choose Spools
Spools makes full-size games that weigh a fraction of what traditional sets do. Our lineup includes American mahjong, chess, backgammon, and poker, all designed from scratch around one idea: the game should be easy to bring and still feel great on the table. Everything below explains how our sets are built, what comes in them, and how to take care of them.
Mahjong tiles
Mahjong is where Spools started. A traditional American mahjong set weighs around 14 pounds. Most lighter sets get there by shrinking the tiles until they're hard to read, or flattening them until you can't build a proper wall. We wanted a set that kept the full-size game and dropped the weight, so we designed our tiles from the ground up.
What makes Spools tiles different
- Full size. Each tile is about 1.4 inches tall, 1 inch wide, and 0.4 inches deep. You play the same game you'd play with a traditional set.
- Lightweight. A full set of tiles weighs 1.6 pounds, about 90% lighter than a traditional set.
- They float. The tiles are partially hollow, so they float. Pool, beach, boat, lake house.
- Splash resistant. The artwork holds up to wet hands and poolside play.
- Easy to read. Bold, color-coordinated artwork you can read from across the table.
- Real hand-feel. The tiles are hard PLA plastic, not foam. They stack, shuffle, and click the way tiles should.
What's in a set
Every Spools mahjong set has 160 American mahjong tiles: 144 base tiles, 10 jokers, and 6 blanks.
A tile set includes the tiles, a tile pouch, and dice
You can build your own bundle to get the same kit
- 160 tiles with a matching tile bag
- 4 matching travel racks with pushers. The racks and pushers split in half so they pack small and travel light.
- A canvas tote to carry everything
Mahjong mats are sold separately. We also make two-player rack sets, display cases, single player practice boards, and replacement tiles, racks, and pushers if something goes missing.
Designs
Every design uses the same full-size tile. What changes is the artwork. Current designs include Compass, Pool, Cabin, Alpine, Nautical, Pickleball, The Flamingo, Red White and Blue, seasonal Halloween and Christmas sets, and 3D, which has raised, tactile tile faces. If you're new to the game, start with Compass. It was designed to be the easiest set to learn on.
We also make a braille mahjong set for blind and low-vision players, built on a complete braille encoding for every suit, wind, dragon, flower, and joker.
Personalization
We make custom jokers and blanks, which makes a set a good gift for a birthday, a wedding, or a regular group that deserves its own tiles.
Caring for your tiles
- After the pool or the ocean, rinse the tiles in cool fresh water.
- Let them air dry completely before packing them away. Tiles stored wet can grow mildew.
- The tiles are made to float during play, not to soak. Don't leave them in the water between games.
- Keep them out of hot cars and direct sun for long periods. PLA can soften in high heat.
Chess
Spools chess sets are 3D printed and built to travel. The pieces are magnetic, so they stay on the board in a car, on a boat, or on a windy patio.
- Classic Travel Chess. Traditional pieces in bright colorways.
- Dog Travel Chess. Every piece is a dog.
- Dachshund Travel Chess. Every piece is a wiener dog. Peaches considers this one hers.
- Fridge Chess. A magnetic board that sticks to the fridge, so a game can run for days.
Backgammon
Our travel backgammon boards are lightweight enough to pack and solid enough to leave out on the coffee table. They fold with stainless steel hinges and close with magnets. Colorways include Blue, Pink, Alpine Green, Galaxy, and a USA edition.
Poker
Aero-Poker is our travel poker set. The chips are full size but weigh about one-fifth as much as traditional clay chips, so the whole set is easy to take on vacation, camping, or an RV trip. It comes in 50-chip and 200-chip sets, and custom engraving is available.
How we make everything
Spools tiles, racks, pushers, and game pieces are designed by us and 3D printed in the USA. Every set is made to order after you buy it, and every tile is inspected by a person before it ships. Most orders ship within 5 business days. Some non-3D printed accessories are globally curated.
We use 3D printing instead of injection molding on purpose. It costs more per set, but it lets us make tiles hollow enough to float, release new designs without retooling a factory, and personalize sets one at a time.
Frequently asked questions
Are Spools tiles really full size?
Yes. They're full-size American mahjong tiles, about 1.4 by 1 by 0.4 inches. They're just lighter.
Do the tiles really float?
Yes. Every Spools tile is designed to float, which makes them good for pools, beach houses, boats, and lake days.
Are the tiles made of foam?
No. They're hard PLA plastic, partially hollow to save weight. They shuffle and click like traditional tiles, light enough to carry, and heavy enough to stay put in breeze. Foam tiles blow away.
How much does a set weigh?
The tiles alone weigh 1.6 pounds. A bundle with racks, pushers, tiles, and dice weighs around 3 lbs.
How many tiles are in a set?
160 tiles: 144 base tiles, 10 jokers, and 6 blanks.
Are Spools sets good for beginners?
Yes. The Compass set was designed to be the easiest to learn on. See all of our beginner mahjong sets.
Can I personalize a set?
Yes. We make custom jokers and blanks. These make excellent gifts for weddings, birthdays, and more.
Where are Spools games made?
Our tiles, racks, pushers, and game pieces are 3D printed in the USA and hand-inspected before they ship. Some accessories are globally curated.
How long does shipping take?
Every set is made to order. Most orders ship within 5 business days, and expedited shipping is available. If you need a set urgently, reach out to support@shopspools.com and we can usually accommodate.
What's the return policy?
Free returns within 14 days. Shipping is free on orders over $120.
Want to know where these games came from? Read our History of Games. Want to know who makes them? Read About Us.