SYMBOL TILES (Article 101)

Commentary: All the designs on mah jongg tiles are technically symbols but the term “symbol tile” in American mah jongg is used to describe any tile other than a joker. Sometimes the league calls symbol tiles, “natural tiles” or  “named tiles.”

Question from a player:  What is a symbol tile? 

 Answer from the NMJL:  Symbol tile,  also referred to as a natural tile, is any tile other than a Joker.

Source:  Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 page 33)

Another answer from the NMJL:

“A symbol tile is any tile in the game with the exception of the flowers and jokers.”  

Source:  National Mah Jongg League Bulletin Q&A (1977 page 4, 1978 page 4, 1979)