In American Mahjong, the East player serves as the dealer and plays a crucial role in starting each game. This guide explains how East is chosen and what their responsibilities are to ensure a smooth start to every round.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
- How East is determined
- What the East player (dealer) is responsible for
- How tile dealing and wall rotation work
- A quick reference summary you can use during play
How to Choose East in American Mahjong?
At the beginning of every game, all four players roll the dice. The player with the highest total becomes East and takes on the dealer role for that round.
Tip: The National Mah Jongg League (NMJL) considers this initial dice roll an essential part of correct gameplay setup.
This random method ensures fairness and removes any ambiguity about who should start.
What Does the Dealer (East) Do?
Once a player is designated as East, they take on specific responsibilities that help structure the game.
1. Breaking the Wall
After becoming East, the player rolls the dice again to determine where to break the wall:
- Count the dice total from the right side of your wall
- Push out that number of tile stacks
- The break point is where the deal begins
This creates the starting point for dealing the tiles.
2. Dealing the Tiles
East initiates and monitors the dealing process:
➤ Dealing Pattern
- Deal 4 tiles at a time (2 stacks)
- East takes the first 4 tiles
- Then each player takes their 4 tiles in clockwise order (to the right)
- Continue until all players have 12 tiles
➤ Final Tiles
- East takes:
- 1st top tile from the next stack
- 3rd top tile from the next stack
- 1st top tile from the next stack
- Each of the other players takes 1 more tile
Final Tile Count:
- East: 14 tiles
- Other players: 13 tiles
Why East Starts With 14 Tiles
East begins the game by discarding a tile before drawing, which is why they start with one extra.
East Role Rotation
After a round ends:
- The role of East rotates clockwise (to the right)
- The new East rolls the dice to start the next game
This rotation ensures everyone gets a chance to be the dealer throughout a game session.
Wall Rotation During Gameplay
As players draw tiles from the wall:
- Once East’s wall runs out, use the wall of the player to their left
- Wall rotation continues counterclockwise (to the left)
- This pattern continues until the walls are exhausted or the game ends
Remember: Play right, Wall left
Quick Reference Table
| Element | Rule/Direction |
| Choosing East | Highest dice roll |
| Dealing tiles | Clockwise (to the right) |
| Wall usage | Counterclockwise (to the left) |
| Starting tile count | East: 14, Others: 13 |
| East rotation | Clockwise (to the right) |
Key Takeaway
The East player’s role in American Mahjong is vital but easy to master:
- They start the game by breaking the wall
- They manage tile distribution
- If there are five players, the person in the East position may rotate out after the game ends to allow the waiting player to join the game.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure fair, consistent gameplay that aligns with NMJL standards and keeps the game running smoothly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a Mahjong beginner or a seasoned player looking to brush up, mastering the East role helps set the tone for a great game. Remember: every round begins with East—and every good game begins with understanding your role at the table.
Additional Sources:
EAST DOES NOT DEAL THE TILES (Article 194)
WALLS PUSHED OUT IN CLOCKWISE ORDER BEGINNING WITH EAST (Article 176)
EAST CONTINUES TO THE RIGHT (Article 53 )
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