(by Julie & Philippe, ilovemahj.com)
This page provides clarification for several hands on the NMJL 2026 card that have caused confusion.
2026 - LINE 2 (2026 DDD 2222 DDD): Zero in "2026" is neutral, so this grouping of 4 single tiles can be made in any suit, with matching dragon tiles. Kong can be either 2s or 6s.
2468 - LINE 6 (2 4 6 8 2222 D 2222 D): Kongs may be 2s, 4s, 6s or 8s, but both must be the same number. Single dragons must match the suits of the kongs.
2468 - LINE 7 (FFF 2 4 6 8 FFF 2222): Kong may be 2s, 4s, 6s or 8s. Also note the two pungs of flowers, these must be called independently (do not call as a sextet).
ANY LIKE NUMBER - LINE 1 (1111 FFFFFF 1111): This hand includes a sextet (6-of-a-kind) of flowers. Players must have 6 flowers (or equivalent number of jokers) in their hand, or call a discarded flower to complete their grouping of 6 (the sextet of flowers cannot be separated into 2 pungs).
ANY LIKE NUMBER - LINE 3 (FF 1111 11 1111 DD): Even though the dragons are shown in green, they don't have to match the corresponding kong. The note states "any dragon."
QUINTS - LINE 3 (11111 44444 DDDD): This is an interesting hand as it combines ANY two numbers in the same suit - there aren't many hands that allow that level of flexibility!
CONSECUTIVE RUN - LINE 2(b) (FFF 1111 234 5555): Note that the first and last number in the run must be in the same suit.
CONSECUTIVE RUN - LINE 3 (11 22 111 222 3333): Note that the first two numbers repeat.
CONSECUTIVE RUN - LINE 6 (1111 FFFFFF 2222): This hand includes a sextet (6-of-a-kind) of flowers. You must have 6 flowers (or equivalent number of jokers) in your hand, or call a discarded flower to complete the grouping of 6 flowers (you cannot call 2 pungs of flowers)
CONSECUTIVE RUN - LINE 8 (1 22 333 1 22 333 44): Note that the first three numbers repeat.
13579 - LINE 4 (11 3 5 7 9 1111 1111): This hand starts with all five odd numbers. Any one of these odd numbers can be made into a pair, with the rest remaining as singles. The two kongs must match the number chosen for the pair. Example: 1 3 55 7 9 5555 5555.
WINDS-DRAGONS - LINE 2 (1 2 3 4 DDD DDD DDDD): The note states “any 3 dragons.” This means that none of the dragon groupings are connected to the suit used for the run of four consecutive numbers - the kong of dragons does not need to match the suit used for this run, even though they are printed in the same color on the card.
WINDS-DRAGONS - LINE 5 (FFF NNNN FFF DDDD): Any wind can be used (even though North is shown) and any dragon. Also note the two pungs of flowers, these should be called independently (do not call as a sextet).
WINDS-DRAGONS - LINE 6 (1 N 2 EE 3 WWW 4 SSSS): Be aware that only the numbers shown can be used in this hand.
369 - LINE 3 (FFF 33 666 99 DDDD or FFF 33 666 99 DDDD): This hand could have been listed just once on the card, with a note indicating “any dragon.”
369 - LINE 5 (33 6 9 3333 3333): This hand starts with 3, 6 and 9. Any one of these numbers can be made into a pair, with the rest remaining as singles. The two kongs must match the number chosen for the pair. Example: 3 66 9 6666 6666.
If you would like us to clarify any other hands on the NMJL 2026 card, please send a message to info@ilovemahj.com and we’ll add it to this list.
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