From a Certified Oh My Mahjong Instructor
American Mahjong Rules Guide
Real answers to the questions that come up mid-game. Written the way I’d answer them at the table: no ambiguity, no legalese.
Based on American Mahjong played with the NMJL card. Rules are updated annually when the new card releases.
Jokers
The most-debated topic at any mahjong table. When can jokers be used, swapped, and claimed?
8questions →
The Charleston
How many passes, blind passes, courtesy passes, and what happens when you pass wrong.
7questions →
Calling Tiles
Pungs, kongs, priority, and what happens when two players call the same discard.
7questions →
Reading the Card
How to read the NMJL card, what the symbols mean, and how to choose your hand.
6questions →
Winning
What makes a valid mahjong, self-drawn wins, false mahjong, and wall games.
7questions →
Scoring and Payment
Who pays, how much, doubles, joker-free bonuses, and wall game settlements.
6questions →
Dead Hands
What kills a hand, when it can be saved, and whether a dead hand player still pays.
5questions →
Etiquette and Disputes
Table talk, taking back discards, resolving disputes, and house rules vs. NMJL rules.
6questions →
Still confused?
Learn It Right the First Time
Most rule confusion disappears after one lesson. Las Vegas players can book a beginner or intermediate session; online answers only go so far.