Can you take a discarded tile to swap for a joker?
By Jerry Chen. Checked and updated November 1, 2026
Short answer: no
No. A discard can only be taken to make a new exposure or to win, never to redeem a joker.
The detail
If someone discards the tile that would free a joker on a rack, nobody can pick it up for that purpose. The chance is gone.
To redeem a joker, you need the matching tile in your own hand, on your own turn.
Sources
These follow standard National Mah Jongg League rules. House rules vary; agree on them before you play.
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See more questions in Jokers, the complete rules, or all 52 rule questions.