RAPID SUCCESSION DISCARD AND WHO PAYS DOUBLE (Article 98)

Commentary: When two identical tiles are discarded in rapid succession, and a player wishes to claim the tile for an exposure or mah jongg, the second discard must be taken (Mah Jongg Made Easy 2024, page 17).

The League does not explain why the second discard must be taken. It stands to reason that the rule establishes which discard is being claimed and who discarded it. This is especially important when the claim completes mah jongg and payment may depend on the discarder.

Identical tiles are functionally interchangeable. There are four identical copies of most tiles and eight interchangeable Flowers, so which physical tile is collected does not affect the game. If the current Flower is clearly called but the player picks up an earlier Flower from the discard area, the claim itself remains unchanged. The League provides no penalty for collecting a different identical tile. What matters is which discard was claimed, not which identical physical tile was collected.

Question from a player:  I discarded a 3 Bam and the next player also discarded a 3 Bam.  The 3 Bam was called for mah jongg.  Who pays double value? 
 
Answer from the NMJL: When two discards of the same tile are thrown in rapid succession and a player wishes to claim the tile, for either Mah Jongg or exposure, the second discard must be taken.

Source:  Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 page 17)

Other answers from the NMJL: 

“The second discarder pays double value as the first 3 Bam was covered by the second discard.” 

“A follow-up tile should be named by the discarder…not the word “same.”

Sources for other answers: National Mah Jongg League Bulletin Q&A (1976 page 3, 1977 page 3, 1981 page 2, 1982 page 4, 1986 page 5, 1991 page 12; 2007, 2014)