Playing with Poise (Letter 17)

I have a question about discard etiquette. When I discard, I place the tile down and call its name. Some experienced players tend to “flick” their discard with a fingernail, sending it sliding across the mat. I sometimes lose track of where the tile ends up, and the sound can be a bit distracting. Is this considered acceptable practice? I brought it up once and was brushed off, so I wasn’t sure if it’s something commonly addressed.

Fed up with Flickers

Dear Fed Up with Flickers,

In the heat of the game, every discard tells a story, and how you discard adds a subtle twist to the narrative. While it may be tempting to flick with flair or fling with flourish, let’s keep it classy at the table.

Some players place their discard just a bit farther from their rack. It’s not rude—it’s strategic. They’re protecting their hand, not performing on stage. If you need space, do it quietly, not loudly.

Then there are the “flickers”—those who boldly end their turn with a dramatic flick of the tile. While this might seem flashy, it can sometimes be distracting, disruptive, and even startling. Plus, the tiles sometimes get chipped in the process.

Your discard should land gracefully—visible, reachable, and respectful. Play with the poise and dignity you’d want to see at the table.