Table Rules and House Variations

Sit down at three different tables and you may meet three slightly different games. That’s normal. American mahjong has a shared core, but each group adopts its own “table rules” for the details. Knowing they exist — and asking about them — makes you an easy guest anywhere.

Settle the details up front

Before the first hand, it’s worth a quick check: Does this table do a courtesy pass? When are blind passes allowed? Does the player who threw the winning tile pay double? Is there a bonus for winning without jokers? A thirty-second conversation prevents most mid-game disagreements.

Be flexible as a guest

When you’re visiting a new group, play their way without fuss, even if it differs from home. Flexibility is itself good etiquette — and you’ll pick up new variations worth bringing back to your own table.