The following rules written by the National Mah Jongg League are not found in their official guidebook, Mah Jongg Made Easy (MJME) 2024: A player picks from the wall and racks their tile at the same time another player calls a discard. See ID98 East’s first discard can be a joker if East is playing a […]
Question: At what point does a players’ turn begin in Mah Jongg? Answer: Contrary to what one might assume, a player’s turn does not begin immediately after the previous player discards a tile. This is because turns can be interrupted when another player calls (claims) a discard to make an exposure. Therefore, a player’s turn […]
Question: When am I committed to taking a tile I call for exposure? Answer: You are committed to taking the call when you have either placed the discard on top of your rack (flat part) or have exposed tiles from your rack (sloped part) and placed them on top of your rack (flat part). You […]
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: I’ve often played with very experienced and fast players. At times, I feel as if I don’t even have a few seconds to decide if I want the discarded tile. What is proper protocol for this sort of thing? Answer: Etiquette plays an important part when it comes to picking and racking. Proper etiquette […]
Question: Are Joker exchanges allowed when playing a concealed hand? Answer: A player is entitled to do a Joker exchange regardless of whether they are playing an exposed or concealed hand. Source: Mah Jongg Made Easy 2024, page 23, #1