PAYOUT FOR SELF-PICK SINGLES AND PAIRS HAND (Article 99)

Commentary: Since a joker cannot be used as a single tile or as part of a pair, the values for the hands in the Singles and Pairs category are higher.  If a player self-picks their winning tile, the value of the hand doubles.

Question from a player:  If I pick my own mah jongg tile in a Single and Pairs hand, do I get paid a bonus (double)?  On the back of the card it states:  “SINGLES & PAIRS – NO BONUS”. 
 
Answer from the NMJL: If a players last move before declaring Mah Jongg is to redeem a Joker from their own rack, it is considered self-picked and everyone pays the player double. This is called a “finesse” move.

Source:  Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 page 23 #7)

Other answers from the NMJL:
 
“The only bonus that is not given to a Singles and Pairs hand is the jokerless bonus since this bonus is already built into the hand’s value.  All other bonuses apply.” 
 
“The bonus rule applies to every hand on the card except the Singles and Pairs group.  If you mah jongg and there are no jokers in a hand and the hand is self-picked, then all the players give 4x the value of the hand.  If you may jongg on a discarded tile and there are no jokers in the hand, discarder gives 4x the value of the hand.  All others give 2x the value of the hand.  The rule of a bonus for making a hand jokerless adds excitement and gives the game a boost.  A player should think carefully before exchanging a joker for an exposure.  We urge you to give a bonus in all cases where a completed mah jongg hand contains no jokers.  We suggest a double score.  You are welcome to try any other amount for the bonus.”  
 
Source for other answers: National Mah Jongg League Bulletin Q&A (1996 page 5, 2018, 2019)  https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org