American Mahjong Charleston Rules
The Charleston is a structured exchange before normal play. It gives every player a chance to remove unwanted tiles and discover a promising direction, but the passes must follow a fixed order and specific restrictions.
The standard sequence
- Pass three tiles to the right.
- Pass three tiles across.
- Pass three tiles to the left, with blind passing permitted under the governing rules.
- Complete the optional second Charleston only when the table agrees to continue.
- Finish with an optional courtesy pass between opposite players.
Required and optional portions
First Charleston
The opening right-across-left sequence is required in normal play.
Second Charleston
The return left-across-right sequence depends on the applicable stopping procedure and table agreement.
Courtesy pass
Opposite players may negotiate a final exchange, usually from zero to three tiles.
Passing restrictions to remember
- Pass exactly three tiles during each three-tile pass.
- Do not pass jokers during the Charleston.
- Keep received tiles separate until the pass is complete.
- Do not reveal or discuss passed tiles.
- Use blind passing only where permitted.
The Charleston is not a race
Every player should complete one pass before the next pass begins. Keeping the directions synchronized prevents accidental reversals, mixed groups, and uncertainty about which tiles were received.
Charleston rule questions
Can a player pass a joker?
No. Jokers cannot be passed during the Charleston or courtesy pass.
What is a blind pass?
It allows a player to pass along one or more received tiles without adding them to the rack, subject to the rules for that pass.
Can the second Charleston be stopped?
Yes, under the applicable stopping procedure. Players should agree on and follow the governing standard rather than improvise.