Jokers, Charleston Tips & Table Manners for a Better Game
Mahjong is more than tiles—it’s connection, community, and kindness. Whether you’re brand new to American Mahjong or a seasoned player refining your strategy, etiquette matters.
Good manners at the table aren’t just about being polite—they help the game run fairly, smoothly, and enjoyably for everyone.
Let’s explore the essential etiquette that makes the Mahjong table a better place to play.
Good Sportsmanship: Win with Grace, Lose with Dignity
Mahjong is a game of strategy, luck, and social connection, and with that comes the responsibility to handle both victory and defeat with class. Whether you’re on a winning streak or having a rough round, how you behave matters.
- If you win, be gracious.
Celebrate your success, but avoid gloating. A simple smile, a “Good game,” or a “Thanks, that was fun!” goes a long way. Remember: winning one hand doesn’t mean dominating the table. Your kindness leaves a lasting impression that lasts much longer than your score. - If you lose, do so with dignity.
Frustration is normal, especially when you’re close to Mahjong or have had a tough game. But loud sighs, blaming others, or dramatic commentary can bring down the mood for everyone. Congratulate the winner, reset your mindset, and move on to the next round—it’s all part of the game.
Don’t Criticize
Everyone makes tough decisions under pressure—and hindsight is always easier. If you’re curious about a play, wait until after the game and ask respectfully, only if the other player is open to it. Focus on learning, not blaming.
As the saying goes, “Don’t hate the player, hate the game.” Mahjong is a mix of skill, strategy, and luck. One discarded tile can change everything—and that’s part of what makes the game exciting.
Calling out a player for discarding the winning tile—like saying, “Why would you throw that?”—is poor etiquette. It puts others on the defensive and takes away from the winner’s moment.
Instead, celebrate the win, learn from the moment, and remember: every player is doing their best, just like you.
Charleston Etiquette: Speak Early, Not Late
The Charleston is a tile exchange that helps players improve their starting hands. The first round is mandatory; the second is optional. If you’re considering stopping the Charleston, say so early.
Speak up during the first left pass with:
“Please go slowly—I might want to stop the Charleston.”
Once a player picks up and looks at their pass, it’s too late to stop.
Source: Mah Jongg Made Easy 2024, p. 13
Smooth Game Flow
Mahjong is most enjoyable when the pace is steady and intentional. Here’s how to help:
Be thoughtful, not slow, when you need more time
Taking a moment is fine, but don’t stall the table. If you need time, simply say:
“Give me a moment.”
Then give yourself 10 seconds or less to make a decision.
Prepare Your Discard
Before your turn, move a tile you’re ready to discard to one side of your rack.
On your turn, follow this rhythm:
Draw → Rack → Discard → Then reassess.
This helps reduce hesitation and avoid mistakes, like discarding the tile you just picked.
Mind Your “Tells”
Mahjong is full of subtle cues. Don’t accidentally give your hand away.
Avoid:
- Gasping or sighing at discards
- Delaying your discard while thinking
- Making comments like “I needed that!”
Pro Tip: Keep a poker face.
Exposure Etiquette: Keep It Clear
While not a formal rule, it’s considered courteous to:
- Separate multiple exposures on your rack
- Place jokers in the center of the exposure so it’s clear where they belong
- Leave space between exposures for easier visibility
- Arrange exposures in card order once Mahjong is declared
This helps others read the game clearly and avoids confusion.
Joker Etiquette
Exchange with respect. Never reach into another rack.
If you want to exchange a tile for a joker in another player’s exposure, say:
“May I have your joker, please?”
Hold out your tile and wait for the other player to hand you the joker. This helps maintain clear boundaries and demonstrates mutual respect.
Don’t Point Out Missed Joker Exchanges
If someone misses an opportunity to exchange a joker, stay quiet.
- They may have a reason or be playing a concealed hand.
- Calling it out could embarrass them or disrupt their strategy.
- Focus on your hand. Let others play theirs.
After the Game
Some groups enjoy reviewing their hands; others prefer to move on.
If reviewing:
- Always congratulate the winner first
- Only review if everyone is open to it
- Be constructive—never critical
Wall Building & Cleanup
- Help mix and build walls
- Avoid rough mixing with delicate or vintage tiles
- Help pack up and clean the space at the end
Final Tips for Table Harmony
Before the Game
Communicate early: Set expectations around game pace, mid-game chatting, and house rules. If your group has a handout, share it with guests before you meet.
During the Game
Be supportive: Encourage and uplift your tablemates.
Avoid commentary: Don’t comment on what has or hasn’t been thrown.
Respect gameplay rules: If your hand is dead, stay silent. Only another player can declare it dead.
Etiquette & Consideration
Avoid strong scents: Be mindful of wearing perfumes or colognes.
Manage phone use: Keep phones on mute and off the table unless you’re expecting an urgent call.
Final Thought: Kindness Is Always in Style
Good manners at the table aren’t just about being polite—they keep the game fair, smooth, and enjoyable for everyone. And whether your group is chatty and casual or focused and competitive, thoughtful etiquette makes every game better. Mahjong is more than tiles—it’s about connection, community, and kindness.
Continue Reading
Stay Connected with Mahj Mind
Got a question or idea? Email us: MahjMind@gmail.com
Join the community: Mahj Mind AZ Facebook Group
Leave a comment