The rules of the game change from time to time. You’ll find the NMJL updates at www.thenationalmahjonggleague.org
What is a Kibitzer? The tile is a Joker, and serves no different function than any other Jokers. The name is based on a Yiddish term for a spectator who makes comments or offers advice, usually unwanted, to people playing a game.
Can I use a Joker in a pair? No, you never can, even if it’s for Mah Jongg.
Can I call a Joker that’s been discarded? No, never. A discarded Joker is no longer viable.
Can I use a Joker to replace a tile I need on someone else’s rack? No, you can’t substitute your Joker for an original tile.
Can I use a Joker in place of a single tile, such a the 3 in 111 3 555 combo on our Card? No, a Joker can never, ever replace a single tile.
Can I pass a Joker in the Charleston? No, you never can, even if you’re really close to a winning Singles and Pairs hand.
Who gets the discarded tile when two of us want it? Usually it’s the next player in line to play, unless someone else has already started to expose her tiles on her rack.
Who gets the discarded tile when I want it for Mah Jongg but someone else wants it for her hand, and she’s next in line? The player needing the tile for Mah Jongg gets the tile.
Where can I play mah jongg on line? Look at the Tab Resources and online play.
How can I learn more about playing the game? Look at the Tab More Instructional Help.
Where can I buy a set or accessories? Look at the Tab marked Resources.
Can any Dragon be used for a Zero in the year hands? No, only the Soap, AKA the White Dragon can be a zero when the year is “spelled out” such as 2022, 2030. But if the hand has a three or more Zeros in a grouping (such as 222 000 222 111) the Soap or Jokers can be used for the Zeros, and even three Jokers can be used there if the player doesn’t have any Soaps.
Do I have to have a natural tile or can I use Jokers? If you’re putting together a grouping of three or more identical tiles, you don’t have to have any natural tiles-Jokers can stand in.
Remember: this year there are several groupings of single or paired consecutive tiles and one of even tiles. These groupings cannot be called unless it’s for Mah Jongg.