Can you call a discard for a pair?
By Jerry Chen. Checked and updated November 1, 2026
Short answer: only to win
Only if it is the last tile you need to win. Otherwise a discard can only be called to complete a pung, kong, quint or sextet.
The detail
The same applies to single tiles: you cannot call a discard for a single or a pair unless it gives you Mah Jongg.
When you call for a group, you expose it on your rack and then discard.
Sources
These follow standard National Mah Jongg League rules. House rules vary; agree on them before you play.
Related questions
- How long do you have to call a discard?
- Who gets the discard if two players call it?
- Can you change an exposure after you make it?
- Can you add to an exposure later?
- Can you call a discard if your hand is concealed?
- Can you take back a tile you just discarded?
- What if someone calls the discard after you pick?
See more questions in Calling discards and exposures, the complete rules, or all 52 rule questions.