Etiquette in mahjong

While not part of the rules directly, etiquette should be followed when playing any sort of mahjong. They are important to maintain a positive game environment. In more casual settings, the etiquette can be relaxed.

Etiquette principles

Much of the etiquette stems on one simple principle: Respect for the game and respect for the players. As long as players can adhere to this concept, then everyone at the mahjong table can play with a positive game environment.

The exact level of expectation will vary by decorum. Professional settings require a very high level of etiquette, by which a break in protocol may warrant some penalties or some disciplinary action. On the other hand, casual settings provide a more relaxed environment, especially in a game played among friends.

Specific guidelines

A number of guidelines point to specific aspects to the game.

Knowledge

If you are relatively new to the game, it's ok to not get these right away, if the group allows it. However, experienced players are expericted to know these.

Pay attention to the game state - current round, round wind, seat wind, honba, etc.
Know how to calculate your hand's han, fu, and point value quickly.

Handling of tiles

Try not to play slowly. If everyone played slowly, the game would take ages.
Do not touch another player's wall or tiles unless you are drawing.
Draw and discard tiles with only one hand. This decreases the perception of cheating.
Do not slam tiles on the table.
When winning by tsumo, do not put the winning tile in the middle of the hand. Put the winning tile separated from the hand.
When winning by ron, do not grab the winning tile from the other player's pond.

Point exchanges

Point exchanges are best done efficiently and with proper display. Instead of paying a 3900 hand with three 1000 sticks and 900 points, it is more efficient to give a 5000 point stick while receiving 1100 points in return.
Do not hand point sticks directly to players. Instead, place the proper amount of points in the play area. This lets all players see the point exchange clearly.
If possible, players should try to retain at least one 1000 point stick in possession at all times. If out of 1000 point sticks, players should exchange larger sticks to attain change from another player. This exchange is best done just before the next tile shuffle. However, if necessary, you should ask before declaring a riichi.

Verbal cues

Don't be too loud / don't gloat.
Don't be too dramatic when you had a big hand but couldn't win.
When winning a hand, it may or may not be expected to call your yaku (e.g. "chun, 1 dora"). In Western tournaments, players often call out yaku, but in professional league settings, they should not be called.

External links

(麻雀)日本健康麻将協会　健康麻将（マージャン）　マナー集 (YouTube)

Etiquette video produced by Kenko mahjong