What if you pick from the wrong end of the wall?
By Jerry Chen. Checked and updated November 1, 2026
Short answer: hand can be called dead
Picking from the wrong end of the wall, or out of turn, is grounds for your hand to be called dead.
The detail
Tiles are always drawn from the same end of the wall, in turn order. If in doubt, ask before you take a tile.
Sources
These follow standard National Mah Jongg League rules. House rules vary; agree on them before you play.
Related questions
- What if you have the wrong number of tiles?
- What happens to a dead hand?
- What happens when the wall runs out?
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- Can you put a tile back after picking it from the wall?
- Can you use a joker in a pair?
See more questions in The wall, the complete rules, or all 52 rule questions.