Question: Is it recommended that a player always call another player’s hand dead?

Answer: It is recommended by the National Mah Jongg League to call another player’s hand dead (See ID76). However, whether you do so or not, might be used as a strategic move. Here are some things to contemplate:

1. A player’s hand might not be declared dead if they are playing a concealed hand and you might want to exchange those jokers prior to declaring the hand dead.
2. A player’s hand might be declared dead so that everyone else gets more picks from the wall.
3. A player’s hand might be declared dead to prevent them from giving Mah Jongg to another player.
4. The stage of the game you are in might influence your decision to call another person’s hand dead.