TWO PLAYERS WANT THE SAME DISCARD FOR EXPOSURE (Article 93)

Commentary: When players are interested in a discarded tile, they must verbally indicate their intent before picking it up. If players are unsure whether they need the tile, they may say “wait” or “hold.” In this case, other players should allow them a reasonable amount of time to decide. If multiple players express interest, priority is given to the player closest to the discarder. Even if another player initially says “hold” and later says “call,” they must still wait for the player with the first right of refusal to decide. 

When two players claim a discard at the same time, and a player not next in turn also exposes tiles, they are rushing the play and, in doing so, exhibit poor sportsmanship. In this case, their interpretation of the rule is that whoever exposes tiles first gets the discard—this can lead to “slamming,” and it’s not the rule’s intent. The exception to the rule described on the back of the card and in MJME (page 18 #10[b], [c]) applies when the player next in turn is not paying attention. If another player paying attention claims the discard and either racks it or exposes tiles from the sloped part of their rack, it’s too late for the next player with a delayed response. Incidently, exposures completed before the new claim have nothing to do with this rule.

Incidently, as of January 2024, when a player claims a discard, they must place it on the flat part of their rack. The kicker is that the league did not stimulate a penalty for putting the discard in the sloped part of the rack, so there is no accountability unless a group establishes a house rule.

When two players claim a discard for different reasons, the player who wants the tile for mah jongg gets the tile.

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 Other answers from the NMJL: 

 “When two players want the same tile for an exposure, the nearest in turn to the discarder gets preference, unless the other player has exposed or started to expose their tiles.  This rule is protection for the player who properly called and exposed, but then next in line player decides they also want that tile.  If the exposed hand had to be put back, the player’s hand would be compromised, everyone knowing which tiles the player needed.  This rule is not meant to encourage aggressive play.  Slamming tiles or racing to put up an exposure is poor sportsmanship, not supported by the league.” 

“When two players want the same tile for an exposure, the nearest in turn to the discarder gets preference, unless the other player has exposed or started to expose their tiles.”

“Just as long as the player started to make her exposure, next in turn was TOO LATE.”  
 
Sources for other answers:  National Mah Jongg League Bulletin Q&A (2013, 2020)  https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org