How to Arrange American Mahjong Exposures
An American mahjong exposure should show one complete called group in a way that every player can read without touching it. The tiles belong together, the group size must match the intended card position, and any joker should remain plainly visible. Clear exposure layout prevents disputes and makes later joker exchanges easier to handle.
One Exposure Should Read as One Group
Place the called discard with the matching tiles from your rack as one compact unit. A pung should look like three matching positions, a kong like four, and a quint like five. Do not blend two exposures into one long row or leave unrelated tiles touching the group.
Keep a small visual gap between separate exposures. That gap helps the table identify the exact group sizes and compare them with the printed spacing on the current card.
A Clean Exposure Sequence
Call the Tile Clearly
Name the discard and state the intended group when useful.
Take Only the Claimed Discard
Move the most recent eligible discard to your rack area.
Add the Matching Rack Tiles
Place the complete group together, including any permitted joker.
Check the Group Size
Count the exposed positions before discarding.
Separate It From Other Groups
Leave enough space that each exposure remains independently readable.
Readable vs. Confusing Exposure Layout
Readable
Each group is compact, clearly separated, fully visible, and aligned so matching tiles and jokers can be identified immediately.
Confusing
Groups touch, tiles overlap, jokers are hidden, or the claimed discard is mixed into a different exposure.
Exposure Layout Checklist
- Keep every tile face visible.
- Separate one exposure from the next.
- Do not hide a joker behind another tile.
- Keep the claimed discard with the group it completed.
- Count the group before ending the turn.
- Leave the exposure in place for the rest of the hand unless a permitted joker exchange changes one tile.
Exposure Arrangement Questions
Does the claimed discard need to be marked?
Some tables turn it sideways as a memory aid, while others do not. Follow the recognized rules and the table's consistent convention.
Can two exposures touch?
They should be visually separated so the group boundaries remain obvious.
Should a joker be placed in a particular position?
No universal position is necessary, but it must remain visible and clearly part of the correct group.