This is the first year I have played American Mahjong and the 2026 card is the first I have ever used.
I have color coded my card to help me identify the hands as follows:
GREEN - only one suit required, Jokers allowed in all groupings (Please note: In my little system, when I mark a line green to id one suit only, I am referring to numbered tiles. When it comes to honor tiles that may be mixed up in those hands - for example Quints line 3, I always refer to the parenthesis to identify what is allowed.)
BLUE - mixed suits required, Jokers allowed in all groupings
PINK - concealed hand, no calling of discard tiles allowed
UNMARKED - groupings include singles and/or pairs, limited use of jokers and discard calling
This may seem unnecessary to seasoned players, and I will get there at some point, but it has been helpful to me as I learn the card. It helps me to quickly direct my attention to those hands that better match the tiles that I have been dealt, especially during the decision making process during the Charleston.
FUN FACT: the black dots indicate hands I have Mahj, so far!
NOTE: I missed to label the second hand in the 13579 category with a blue sticker. Updated photo in comments.
Hope it helps. Happy Mahj!