AMERICAN MAH JONGG · DAY 2

Where jokers can go

You'll learn: Use a joker in a matching group of three or more tiles.
Time: 5 minutes
Builds on: Calling a discard
Up next: Call your winning tile
Why it helps: A joker gives you more ways to finish a group your hand needs.

A joker gives you more ways to finish a group. Once you know where it belongs, you'll know when it can help.

Jokers need three or more matching tiles

Here's the rule to keep handy: a joker can replace a tile only in a group of three or more identical tiles. The joker counts toward that total.

Example	Can you use a joker?
Two 6 Dots and a joker as a pung	Yes: the group counts as three 6 Dots.
Three 2 Bams and a joker as a kong	Yes: the group counts as four 2 Bams.
One 4 Crak and a joker as a pair	No: a pair has only two tiles.
2, 3, 4 as a run	No: the numbers are different.
NEWS or the digits 2026	No: these are separate tiles, not an identical group.

A year hand can still use jokers in its pungs or kongs. The restriction applies to the separate digits spelling the year.

A natural tile is the actual tile a joker replaces. You may use a joker in an exposure even when you hold the natural tile.

In this hand, your three natural 8 Craks can join the discarded fourth. Using them leaves your joker free to help with the 2 Bams.

Once you discard a joker, nobody can call it, even for mahjong. Check that your hand no longer needs it before letting it go.

Jokers work in matching groups of 3 or more. Never in singles or pairs. Never take a discarded joker.

Teaches on the Learner card · reviewed 2026-09-14