Lesson 12 of 12
Table etiquette
Animated lesson coming soon. The written lesson is below.
Good mahjong manners are simple: name every discard clearly, keep a steady pace, don't take tiles before the last discard has had a chance to be called, keep your hands off other people's racks, and don't coach other players mid-game unless the table has agreed it's a teaching game.
Step by step
- Name every discard. Say it clearly so everyone can decide whether to call it.
- Keep a steady pace. Think during other players' turns so your own turn is quick.
- Wait before you pick. Give everyone a beat to call the last discard.
- Hands off other racks. Only touch another player's exposure to redeem a joker, and say what you're doing.
- Agree house rules first. Stakes, second Charleston customs and what happens on a mistaken mahjong vary between groups. Settle them before the first game.
Common mistakes
- Picking up a discard to look at it after it has been passed.
- Announcing what hand you're going for.
Questions people ask
Is it rude to take a long time on your turn?
A few seconds is normal. Planning during others' turns keeps the game moving.
Can you help a beginner during the game?
Only if the whole table agrees it's a teaching game.
What does "mahj" mean?
It's the players' nickname for the game: "Mahj night," "Do you play mahj?"