COMMITMENT TO PICKING A TILE FROM THE WALL (Article 20)

Commentary: If a player reaches to pick a tile from the wall, they can change their mind and claim the previous discard. If they touch the tile and it moves in any way, they are committed to taking that tile.

Question from a player:  A player lifted the next tile from the wall as it was her turn, but then decided to put the tile back as she did not look at it and she wanted to call the previous discard.  May this be done?

Answer from the NMJL:  You are committed to taking a tile from the wall once you have moved the tile.

Source:  Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 page 18 #12)

Other answers from the NMJL:

“When a player lifts the tile from the wall, she has committed to that tile and it is now hers.”

“The player started to make their exposure already, and has thereby made a play and a commitment. “

“Once the person made her intention to pick her tile by lifting it off the wall, she cannot put it back and decide to call the previous discard.”

“When a tile is discarded, the next person in turn makes their intention to pick a tile and, in fact, does pick a tile, Even though they haven’t looked at it yet, they cannot put the tile back and decide to call the previous discard.”

Sources for other answers:  National Mah Jongg League Bulletin Q&A (2000 page 5, 2002, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2005, 2007, 2017, 2018)