How Do Jokers Work in American Mahjong?

Jokers are wild tiles that stand in for any tile in groups of 3 or more (Pungs, Kongs, Quints). Jokers can't be used in pairs, can't be passed during the Charleston, and can be swapped from exposures if you have the natural tile.

Jokers are wild tiles that only American Mahjong uses. They can stand in for any tile in groups of three or more like Pungs, Kongs, and Quints. Multiple Jokers can sit in the same group. The biggest Joker rule: they can't be used in pairs, which makes them a bad fit for hands with lots of pair requirements. Jokers can't be passed during the Charleston tile exchange before play. If an opponent has an exposed group containing a Joker and you have the natural tile, you can swap your natural for the Joker. Strategic Joker use is what separates skilled players from beginners. Knowing when to hold them for tough tiles, when to protect them from exchanges, and how to use them in Quint hands all matter.