LINE OF SIGHT ON A CLAIMED DISCARD (Article 240)

Commentary: When a player claims a discard to complete an exposure or declare mah jongg, they must place it on the flat part of their rack (NMJL Bulletin 2024). This is to keep a line of sight on the tile. In Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 pg 15, para 2), the league uses the word, “should.” This is probably why there is no penalty for breaking the rule.

Incidently, exposing tiles from the sloped part of the rack before placing the claimed discard on the flat part of the rack is permissible.

Question from a player: After I call a discarded tile, does it matter where I put it?

Answer from the league: A called tile should be placed on top of the rack and not in the rack. It is preferable to place the called tile on top of your rack before taking the tiles from your rack to make the exposure. Once an exposure has been made, a player may add to or take away from the exposure up until the time the player has discarded.

Source: Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 page 15 para 2); NMJL Bulletin 2024