Lesson 4 of 12
The Charleston
The Charleston is a series of tile swaps before play begins. Each player passes three tiles to the right, then across, then left. A second Charleston (left, across, right) follows unless any player stops it, then an optional courtesy pass of up to three tiles with the player across. Jokers can never be passed.
Step by step
- First Charleston: right, across, left. Everyone chooses three tiles they don't want, places them face down and passes them to the player on the right. Pick up the three you received, then pass three across, then three to the left. The first Charleston is required.
- Blind pass on the last pass. On the first left pass (and the last right pass of the second Charleston) you may pass on some or all of the tiles you just received without looking at them, if you have nothing you want to give away.
- Second Charleston: left, across, right. If every player agrees, repeat the passing in reverse order. Any one player can stop the second Charleston.
- Courtesy pass. Finally, you may swap zero to three tiles with the player across from you. If you want to swap three and they want one, you both swap one: the lower number wins.
- Never pass a joker. Jokers are too valuable and the rules forbid passing them in the Charleston. Keep every joker you are dealt.
Common mistakes
- Passing a tile you need because you decided on a hand too early. Keep two or three possible hands open during the first passes.
- Looking at received tiles before a blind pass. Blind means blind.
Words from this lesson
Charleston · Blind pass · Courtesy pass · Second Charleston
Questions people ask
Can you pass jokers in the Charleston?
No. Jokers may never be passed during the Charleston.
Is the second Charleston required?
No. It happens only if all four players agree; any player may stop it.
What is a courtesy pass in mahjong?
After the Charleston, you may swap up to three tiles with the player across from you. Both players must agree, and you swap the smaller of the two numbers requested.