The Game Begins (Article ID 135)

Abstract:  The game of mah jongg officially begins when East discards their fourteenth tile.

Question from a player:  What signifies the start of a game?

Answer from the NMJL:   “The game begins with East discarding an unwanted tile after the Charleston.” 

Source:  Mah Jongg Made Easy (2020 The Play page 14, para 1 )