Question: Do I have to announce that I am doing a joker exchange from my own rack? Answer: There is no rule that states a player must announce a joker exchange from their own rack. However, the NMJL does recommend one doing so as a courtesy. Source: 2023 National Mah Jongg League Bulletin Q & A […]
Question: I understand that once you pick a tile from the wall and rack it, no one else can call the previously discarded tile. How does this apply if someone picks a tile from the wall, does not rack it but then says, “I’d like your joker.” If they don’t rack the tile first, is the […]
Question: Can I do a Joker Exchange before or after I call a discard for an exposure and then add the Joker to my exposure? Answer: The Joker Exchange would take place after you’ve picked up the called tile and completed your exposure. The exposure must be able to be completed without the help of […]
Question: Can I change my mind once I’ve done a Joker Exchange? Answer: Once a player receives a joker after it is replaced with the same symbol tile, the exchange cannot be reversed. They have committed to the exchange. This ruling is not found in Mah Jongg Made Easy. Sources: National Mah Jongg League Bulletins […]
Question: What are the reasons a player’s hand could be declared dead? Answer: Following are reasons a player’s hand can be declared dead: A player makes an incorrect exposure A player exposes tiles and it is obvious that based on the exposures there is no viable hand on the card. A player exposes tiles and […]
Question: Is there a process to doing a Joker Exchange? Answer: Joker exchanges can only be done during your turn. Here are the steps for proper etiquette during a Joker Exchange from another player’s rack: Pick a tile from the wall or call a discard before performing your Joker Exchange. Announce your Joker Exchange to […]
Question:. Can Jokers be exchanged from a hand that’s been declared dead? Answer: Jokers in valid exposures before a hand is declared dead are still available for a Joker exchange. Jokers in incorrect exposures at the time a hand is declared dead, whether noticed right away or later in the game, are returned to the […]
Question: If I do a Joker exchange and it results in my Mah Jongg, is it considered self-picked? Answer: If a player does a Joker exchange which gives them Mah Jongg, it is considered self-picked. If playing for money or points, the payout would be double the value of the hand. Source: Mah Jongg Made […]
Question: Is it okay to call a tile for Mah Jongg and then do a Joker exchange to use the Joker to complete the win? Answer: Once a player calls a tile and declares Mah Jongg, the called tile must be used as the winning tile. However, there are times when a player calls a […]
Question: The other day, I strategically did not do a Joker exchange. Another player made a big deal out of it as if I’d made a mistake. Is there a rule that requires me to do a Joker exchange? Answer: There is no requirement to do a Joker exchange. In some cases, a player may […]