JOKER CANNOT BE EXCHANGED FOR A NATURAL TILE (Article 73)

Commentary: Jokers are not exchangeable for a natural tile. In other words, only symbol tiles can be used in exchange for a joker in a valid exposure.

Question from a player:  Can I exchange a joker for a symbol tile? 
 
Answer from the NMJL: A Joker cannot at any time be exchanged for a symbol tile. Only a symbol tile can be exchanged for a Joker.

Source:  Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 page 23 #5)

Other answers from the NMJL:  “A joker can never at any time be exchanged for a symbol tile – only a symbol tile for a joker, and not the reverse.” 
 
“A joker can never at any time be exchanged for a symbol tile.  Only a symbol tile for a joker.” 
 
“You may not exchange a joker for a symbol tile in order to make a jokerless hand and you may not pass a joker in the Charleston.” 
 
“A joker cannot at any time be exchanged for a symbol tile.  Only a symbol tile can be exchanged for a joker.  You may not first exchange a symbol tile for a joker and then use that joker to call the last discarded tile for either exposure or mah jongg.” 

“You many never replace a named time with a joker. Only a joker may be replaced with a named tile, therefore, you may not use the “actual tile” for mah jongg.”

“Never-never – a joker can never at any time be exchanged for a symbol tile.  Only a symbol tile for a joker.”  
 
Source for other answers:  National Mah Jongg League Bulletin Q&A (1969 page 4, 1972 page 4, 1973 page 5, 1975 page 4, 1976 page 4, 1977 page 4, 1978 page 4, 1979 page 4, 1981 page 3, 1982 page 3, 1983 page 4, 1984, 1985, 1991 page 5, 1992 page 5, 1994 page 5, 1995 page 4, 1996 page 5, 1997 page 6, 2023)