JOKER EXCHANGE ETIQUETTE (Article 37)

Commentary: When making a joker exchange, verbal communication is required, especially if you’re placing the outgoing natural tile on the table. If you don’t clearly state your intent and the tile hits the table, it’s considered a discard. Tournament rules may vary, so always check with the director before play begins.

Some players get in the habit of reaching for the joker without speaking, but this can lead to mistakes, such as using the wrong tile. If the error goes unnoticed, the player with the exposure risks disqualification. As the League has stated, “It is every player’s responsibility to see that their own exposure is correct.”

To avoid confusion or penalties, say something like “joker exchange, please” before proceeding. And since many groups (and most tournaments) consider a tile as a discard once it touches the table, the safest option is a hand-to-hand exchange.

Question from a player:  What is the correct way to make a joker exchange? 
 
Answer from the NMJL:  It is recommended that a player never touch another players tiles. The player should first announce that a Joker exchange is to be made. The replacement tile should be handed to the player whose rack contains the Joker and that player makes the exchange and hands the Joker to the other player. If no announcement is made and the symbol tile touches the table, it is considered discarded and the Joker may not be redeemed. 

Sources: Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 page 24 #13)

Other answers from the NMJL:

“It is recommended that a player never touch another player’s tiles.  The player should first announce that an exchange is to be made.  The replacement tile should be handed to the player whose rack contains the joker and that player makes the exchange and hands the joker to the other player.”  

Source for other answers: Mah Jongg Made Easy 2020 page 23 #14, National Mah Jongg League Bulletin Q&A 2018