Mahjong Tournament Information and Rules

1. Play is according to the National Mahjong League Rules and Tournament Rules.  Where there is a conflict in the rules, the Tournament Rules govern.

2. All games are played using the 2024 NMJL card, and this card must remain displayed during the games.

3. The tournament will include 3 rounds lasting 45 minutes each, with a maximum of 3 games per round.  Players will not earn points for any game started, but not completed during a round. All tables will begin each round at the same time.

4. Each player will be assigned a letter (N E W S) on the day of the tournament.  East stays at the table for all 3 rounds.  Everyone else rotates as follows:  N moves up 1 table, W moves up 2 tables, and S moves up 3 tables (based on table numbers).

5. After each game East will record points for the table, but each player must verify their score by initialing it.  West will record points on East’s scorecard and East will verify by initialing.  Each player takes their scorecard with them to the next round.

6. Any errors or discrepancies must be resolved before moving to the next table.  If needed, call the Director for a ruling.  The Director’s ruling is final.
   

GUIDELINES

1. This is a game for a good cause.  Be courteous to everyone and have fun!

2. Keep the pace of the game steady.  New players, please make quick decisions to keep the game flowing.  Experienced players, please have a little patience with those participating in their first tournament.   

3. Please limit conversations during play to allow every player to concentrate and hear well.

4. No cell phone use during play. 
   

SCORING

1. Player that makes Mahjong will earn the points designated to that hand on the NMJL card

2. PLUS 10 points – if Player picks their own Mahjong

3. PLUS 20 points – if winning hand is JOKERLESS.  Does not apply if winning hand is SINGLES & PAIRS

4. No penalty points

5. Wall Game earns each player 10 points

6. Zero points are awarded to DEAD hands, even if it ends as a WALL GAME
   

PICKING AND DISCARDING TILES

1. If you touch a tile – whether picking from the wall or calling for a discarded tile – it is yours.  There is no penalty for PAUSING, but once you touch the tile, you must take it.

2. A tile is discarded if EITHER it touches the table or it is named.  You must proceed with the discard.

3. Rack (not tap) your tile to indicate the previous turn is over.

4. Joker Exchanges must occur during a player’s turn – after they have picked from the wall or called for a tile and before they discard a tile.

5. A hand may be declared DEAD however, if you declare someone’s hand DEAD in error, then your hand is DEAD and you earn zero points.

6. Jokers exposed prior to a hand being called dead may still be exchanged.
   

MISNAMING A TILE

1. Immediately correct the name and continue playing.

2. Mahjong is a looking and listening game – give the table some grace and if the discarded did not realize they misnamed the tile, please correct them and allow the game to continue.

3. A misnamed tile may not be used to declare Mahjong.
   

MAHJONG CALLED IN ERROR

1. If a player calls Mahjong in error and the mistake is corrected BEFORE the hand is exposed or any other player exposes or disturbs their hand, game continues without penalty.

2. If the other three players exposed their hands, all players get 0 points.

3. If two of the players did NOT expose their hands, game continues with those two players. Jokers exposed prior to the Mah Jongg in error may still be exchanged.