COMMITMENT TO DISCARDING A TILE (Article 18)

Commentary: When a player discards a tile, and it touches the table, or that player names it fully, they must discard the tile. 

Question from a player:   A player has announced a discard but has not placed it on the table.  May she change her mind?  May she instead exchange it for an exposed joker on someone else’s rack?

Answer from the NMJL: Once a tile is fully named or touches the table the discarder cannot take it back and may not use it for a Joker exchange.

Source:  Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 page 17 #4)

Other Answers from the NMJL:

“Once a tile has been named it is considered a down tile and player cannot take the tile back.  If a tile is shown face up on the table, even if it is not named, it is a down tile and cannot be taken back.”

“Once a tile is discarded and named it cannot be taken back by the discarder.  Down is down.”

“Once a player has announced the forthcoming discard, it is the same as the tile were placed on the table.  In this case, it is too late for this player to redeem a joker on someone’s rack.”

“Once a tile has been announced (even though the player has not placed the tile down on the table), it is considered a down tile.  If a tile is placed on the table and not announced yet, that too is considered a down tile.”

“Once a tile has been announced (even though the player has not placed the tile down on the table), it is considered a down tile.  If a tile is placed on the table and not announced yet, that too is considered a down tile.  Down is down.  Discarder cannot change his/her mind.”

“You are committed to discarding a tile once it is fully named or the tile has been placed on the table.”

Source for other answers: National Mah Jongg League Bulletin Q&A (1982 page 4, 1983 page 4, 1984,  1988 page 5, 1989 page 5, 1999 page 6, 2003, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015. 2017, 2018)  https://www.nationalmahjonggleague.org