American mahjong
How do you call a discard in American mahjong?
When you can call a discarded tile, what happens when two players want it, and what to do after you call.
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The short answer
For a hand that permits exposures, you can call a discarded natural tile to complete a matching group of three or more that fits the card. You then lay that group face up. A call that completes your entire winning hand is different: the winning tile may complete a single or pair, including in a concealed hand. A discarded joker cannot be called.
Calling, step by step
Only the newest named natural discard is available while its calling opportunity remains open. Say “Call” or “Take” for an ordinary exposure, or “Mah Jongg” for a complete valid win.
Call the latest named natural discard before the next player racks, discards, starts a joker exchange or declares mahjong.
Drawing alone does not close the window. A simultaneous call/rack favors the call.
Among ordinary callers, the eligible player nearest in turn order after the discarder has priority, unless another caller has already placed the discard on the rack or begun exposing matching tiles. A valid mahjong claim outranks an ordinary call.
JONGG collects digital responses before resolving the window. Among equal valid claims, the eligible claimant nearest after the discarder in turn order wins; sending first does not reserve the tile.
Lay the called tile face up with its complete matching group, then finish your turn by discarding or declaring a valid mahjong. You may redeem a joker after completing the exposure, but cannot add that joker to the exposure just called. Do not draw again after a call.
Practice this in JONGG
Tell an ordinary call from a winning claim, with the reason explained.