Joker rules in American mahjong
Jokers are what make American mahjong different from most other versions. They are powerful, but only in groups of three or more.
Checked and updated October 31, 2026
Where jokers can go
- In any group of three or more identical tiles: a pung (3), kong (4), quint (5) or sextet (6).
- A group can be made entirely of jokers if it is concealed on your rack.
- When you call a discard to expose a group, you can add as many jokers from your rack as the group needs.
Where jokers cannot go
- In a pair or as a single tile.
- In hands made only of singles and pairs.
- In the Charleston. You can never pass a joker.
Swapping a joker out of an exposure
If a group is exposed on any rack, including yours, and a joker in it stands for a tile you hold, you can swap your real tile for the joker. The rules most groups follow:
- Only on your turn, after you have picked a tile or called a discard.
- You can swap more than one joker in a turn, from any player's exposures.
- Hand your tile to the joker's owner and ask for the joker. Do not put it on the table first, or it may count as your discard.
- You cannot use a tile that someone else just discarded to swap for a joker. A discard can only be called to make a group or to win.
Discarding a joker
A discarded joker is dead. Nobody can call it. Some players discard a joker late in the game to avoid giving away a tile someone needs.
Jokerless hands pay more
Winning without any jokers usually doubles the payment, except for singles-and-pairs hands, which never contain jokers. See paying.
Common questions
How many jokers are in American mahjong?
A standard game uses 8 jokers. Many sets include 10, so you have two spares.
Can you use a joker in a pair?
No. Jokers only work in groups of three or more identical tiles.
Can you use a joker for a single tile or in NEWS?
No. A joker can never stand in for a single tile, so it cannot be used in NEWS, single dragons or singles-and-pairs hands.
Can you discard a joker?
Yes. A discarded joker is dead and nobody can call it.
Can you call a discarded joker?
No, not even for Mah Jongg.
Can a whole group be jokers?
Yes. A pung or kong made entirely of jokers is allowed, for example kept concealed on your rack.
See also the complete rules and the printable cheat sheet.
Sources: Tom Sloper's American mah-jongg FAQ; The Mahjong Line on scoring. House rules vary; the National Mah Jongg League's rulebook is the final word.