DISPLAYING MULTIPLE EXPOSURES (Article 82)

Commentary: When players have multiple exposures, they are not required to place them in the exact order shown on the card or leave a space between them. However, spacing exposures is considered courteous, especially when jokers are involved.

While some players believe placing exposures close together can obscure their hand from opponents, experienced players can typically read the hand regardless. Additionally, if exposures include jokers, positioning them between natural tiles helps prevent exchange mistakes. For these reasons, spacing exposures is a good practice and a sign of good sportsmanship.

Question from a player:  I play with someone who does not separate exposures. Is there a rule saying exposures must be separated? Also, do exposures have to be exposed in the order they are shown on the card?
 
Answer from the NMJL: A player is not required to place exposures in the order in which they are shown on the Card. When a player has multiple exposures on the rack it is courteous to leave a space between the exposures.

Source:  Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 page 15 paragraph 3)

Other answers from the NMJL: 

“There is no absolute ruling about how to place the exposed tiles on your rack; however, it certainly would seem to be courteous to put a space in between exposures, especially when there are jokers involved.” 

“There is no rule stating that exposures must be separated, however, it is a courtesy to separate exposures. Putting a space between exposures makes it clear as to which exposures contain jokers and makes the exposures easier for players to read. Also, placing jokers within an exposure makes it easier for all players to easily identify which exposures contain jokers. Exposures do not have to be in the order shown on the card until mah jongg is declared.”
 
Sources for other answers:  National Mah Jongg League Bulletin Q&A (2017,  2021)