What is the Charleston in mahjong?
The Charleston is a round of tile passing that happens before play starts in American mahjong. Everyone passes three tiles right, then across, then left. A second, optional round goes the other way, and it ends with a small courtesy pass across the table.
Picture four people who each just got 13 random tiles. Most of those racks are a mess. The Charleston gives everyone a chance to clean theirs up before the first discard.
The order of passes
The first Charleston is required. You pass three tiles to the player on your right. Then three to the player across. Then three to your left.
The second Charleston is optional. If any one player wants to stop, it stops. If everyone agrees, you pass left, then across, then right.
Last comes the courtesy pass. You and the player across from you agree on a number from zero to three and swap that many tiles. If you each ask for a different number, the lower one wins.
The blind pass
On the last pass of each Charleston (the first left and the second right), you are allowed to pass tiles you just received without looking at them. It is called a blind pass or stealing. Beginners use it when they are holding a good rack and do not want to break it up.
What to pass as a beginner
Start by looking for two or three hands on the card that your rack could become. Then pass tiles that help none of them.
Keep pairs. A pair is hard to rebuild once it is gone. Keep flowers if any of your target hands use them. Do not hang on to a tile just because it looks nice.
You can never pass a joker. If a joker lands in your rack, it stays there, which is good news for you.
Reading what other people pass
This is the part that takes longer. If the player on your left keeps sending you dragons, they probably are not building a dragon hand. If someone asks for zero on the courtesy pass, their rack is likely in good shape. You do not need any of this your first night. It is just nice to know that the passing gives information away in both directions.
Common beginner mistakes
- Passing a tile from a pair because you panicked on the clock.
- Committing to one hand on the first pass and throwing away everything else.
- Forgetting which direction you are on. Say it out loud. Everyone does.
The Charleston is day five of the course in Sparrow, and the practice table runs a full Charleston every hand. You can pick your passes and review them after, or ask the expert first.
Quick answers
Is the second Charleston required?
No. Any player can stop the second Charleston. The first one always happens.
Can you pass a joker in the Charleston?
No. Jokers can never be passed during the Charleston.
What is a blind pass?
On the last pass of each Charleston, you may pass tiles you just received without looking at them.
How many tiles are in the courtesy pass?
Zero to three, agreed with the player across from you. If you ask for different numbers, you use the lower one.
Sparrow teaches American mahjong to total beginners in seven short days, with unlimited practice hands. See how it works.