Free guide

Charleston Quick Guide for American Mahjong

The Charleston is the tile swap before play begins. In the first Charleston every player passes three tiles right, then across, then left. A second Charleston is optional, and a courtesy pass across can finish it off.

First Charleston (required)

Choose the three tiles you least want, pass them face down, then pick up the three tiles passed to you before the next pass.

Second Charleston (optional)

It happens only if every player agrees. If anyone wants to stop, the Charleston ends after the first round.

Courtesy pass

After the Charleston, players sitting across from each other may agree to swap zero to three tiles. If the two of you want different numbers, the lower number is used. Jokers stay out of this pass too.

Blind pass

On the last pass of each Charleston (the first left and the second right), many groups allow you to pass along one, two or three tiles you just received without looking, instead of breaking up your hand. Sources and groups describe the blind pass differently, so check the official rules your group follows.

Two rules to remember

• Jokers may not be passed.
• For special cases, check the official card your group plays with each year.

Want every pass explained with tips for new players? Read our beginner's guide to the Charleston.

This is our own independent guide, written to help new players. It is not affiliated with any mahjong league and does not replace the official card. The Host Edition mat is designed with short reminders along the edges, and the full version comes on a two-sided card. See the mat.

Questions

Quick answers

How many tiles do you pass in the Charleston?

Three tiles on each pass. In the first Charleston you pass right, across, then left.

Is the second Charleston required?

No. The second Charleston is optional and happens only if every player agrees. It goes left, across, then right.

Can you pass a Joker in the Charleston?

No. Jokers may not be passed during the Charleston.