Mahjong Jokers Explained: When You Can (and Can't) Use Them
Jokers are the wild cards of American mahjong. An American set has 8 of them, and knowing when to use them wins games.
Where jokers can go
A joker can replace any tile in a group of three or more identical tiles: a pung (3), kong (4), quint (5) or sextet (6).
Where jokers can't go
- In a pair
- As a single tile
- In the Charleston (jokers are never passed)
Calling a discarded joker
You can't call a joker that someone discards.
Swapping for a joker
If another player exposes a group containing a joker and you hold the real tile it stands for, you can swap your tile for the joker on your turn.
Quints need jokers
There are only four of each tile, so any five-of-a-kind (quint) must include at least one joker.
Make sure your set has 8 jokers: every American mah jongg set we sell includes them. Learn the rest in how to play mahjong.