Can you use the white dragon as zero in a consecutive run?
By Jerry Chen. Checked and updated November 1, 2026
Short answer: no
No. Since 2018 the rulebook says zero cannot be used in consecutive runs, so 0-1-2 does not count as a run.
The detail
The white dragon (soap) stands in for zero so that year hands such as 2026 can be made.
Runs on the card are numbered 1 to 9 in suits, so use real numbers.
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 Reading the card, the complete rules, or all 52 rule questions.