FAQ 14. THE THREE RULES ON TABLE RULES:

1. It is normal for "table rules" to exist from table to table. Your group can come up with any special rule or interpretation you desire, so long as:


a. You all agree.

b. You are prepared to work out solutions to problems that may arise from your special rule or interpretation.

c. You are prepared to drop your special rule or interpretation when joining other tables.


2. At your table, tell newcomers what the table rules are. Those folks will have to adapt. Be nice about it.

3. At someone else's table, know or find out what the table rules are. You will have to adapt. Be gracious about it.

4. (I lied about there being three rules.) There is no "proper" way to set up a table rule. Set it up however you want! See Rule #1 above.
- Please don't ask me what's the right, standard, or "official" way to use an unofficial rule - how am I supposed to handle an oxymoron like that?! (^_^)

5. If your group has not previously agreed to use a table rule, and/or if you never told anybody coming to your game what your rules are, then it's reasonable for any player at your table to assume that you are abiding by the official rules (assuming you play a variant for which official rules exist, such as NMJL).
- If you play American/NMJL: If you can't find the official rule on the back of your card, or in your copy of the NMJL official rulebook "Mah Jongg Made Easy," then check your kept copies of the annual January bulletins from the NMJL. If you don't have either of those things, all I can say is... you really should.