What Is the Courtesy Pass in American Mahjong?
The courtesy pass is an optional exchange between the two players seated opposite each other after the required Charleston sequence has ended. The partners agree on how many tiles to exchange, usually from zero up to three, and pass the same number simultaneously.
Courtesy pass sequence
Finish the Charleston
Complete the required passes and any accepted optional sequence first.
Ask the opposite player
The two partners quietly agree whether to exchange and how many tiles.
Match the number
Both players must pass the same count.
Select legal tiles
Choose unwanted natural tiles and never pass a joker.
Exchange simultaneously
Complete the pass before ordinary drawing and discarding begins.
Courtesy pass versus Charleston pass
Charleston
Uses prescribed directions and required or optional rounds involving all four players.
Courtesy pass
Is a direct exchange only between opposite players after the broader passing sequence.
Courtesy pass decisions
- Agree clearly on zero, one, two, or three tiles.
- Pass exactly the same number as your partner.
- Keep pairs and connected tiles that support realistic hands.
- Avoid passing tiles that strongly reveal a narrow target.
- Never include a joker.
- Reevaluate the rack immediately after receiving the exchange.
You do not have to pass three
The courtesy pass is not an automatic three-tile exchange. A player with a tightly connected rack may prefer zero or one, while a scattered rack may benefit from two or three. The partners must agree on the same count.
Courtesy-pass questions
Can I refuse the courtesy pass?
Yes. The partners may agree to pass zero tiles.
Can the two players pass different numbers?
No. They agree on one shared count and exchange that number.
Can I pass a joker?
No. Jokers are not passed during the Charleston or courtesy pass.