Can I call this tile?

Before you reach for a discard, work down this quick American mahjong checklist.

1. 1

   Does it complete mahjong?

   Yes: declare mahjong if the full hand matches your card. This can complete a single, a pair or a concealed hand.

   No: continue below.

2. 2

   Are you playing an exposed hand?

   C for concealed: no call until it completes mahjong.

   X for exposed: continue below.

3. 3

   Can you expose the whole group?

   Yes: call for a complete pung, kong, quint or sextet that fits your card and earlier exposures.

   No: let it go. No partial groups, singles or pairs unless declaring mahjong.

For an ordinary call: announce the call, expose the complete group with the discard, then discard or declare a valid mahjong. Do not draw again. A redeemed joker cannot join the exposure just called.

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.

Jokers can help complete matching groups of three or more, never singles or pairs. Keep your own NMJL card beside this guide.