Can Jokers Be Used in Singles or Pairs?
 

No. Jokers may not be used in singles or pairs in American Mah Jongg. This rule applies even when singles are grouped together on the NMJL card for visual appeal, such as in year-based or pattern-based hands.
 

Pairs must always be made using natural tiles, and singles must always be represented by the actual tile shown on the card. Jokers are permitted only in pungs, kongs, and quints, as specified by NMJL rules.
 

Using a joker in a single or a pair results in a hand that can be called 'dead.'
 

Published by the American Mah Jongg Association — the trusted home for American Mah Jongg players.