How to Charleston: The Mah Jongg Pass Explained
The Charleston pass is where the hand really begins.
The Charleston is the tile-passing sequence at the start of American Mah Jongg. It gives each player a chance to trade away tiles that do not fit and move closer to a playable hand before the first discard happens.
Learn the sequence without needing to memorize the whole game at once.
The main Charleston sequence uses three passes in three directions.
After the main passes, players may agree to an optional courtesy exchange.
A printed Charleston mat keeps the pass order visible during play.
What is the Charleston?
Before regular play begins, players exchange tiles in a structured pass called the Charleston. Each player passes three tiles at a time. The goal is to let go of tiles that are not helping your hand and keep the ones that move you toward a legal pattern on the card.
- It happens before gameplay The Charleston takes place after tiles are dealt and before the first discard.
- It is unique to American Mah Jongg Other versions of Mah Jongg may not use this passing sequence.
- Each pass uses three tiles Players choose three unwanted tiles and pass them in the correct direction.
- Everyone passes together The table passes at the same time so the exchange stays fair.
- It shapes your hand Good Charleston choices can make a weak starting hand much easier to play.
- It gets easier fast Once the direction order clicks, the sequence becomes natural.
Right, across, left. That is the core sequence.
The easiest way to learn the Charleston is to say the directions out loud while you play. First pass three tiles to the right. Then pass three tiles across the table. Then pass three tiles to the left.
How to do the Charleston pass.
Use this as the simple table script when teaching new players.
Start by selecting three tiles that do not support your best possible hands. Everyone passes to the right at the same time.
After receiving tiles from the first pass, choose three more and pass them to the player across from you.
For the third pass, send three tiles to the player on your left. This completes the main Charleston sequence.
The courtesy pass is optional. Players across from each other may exchange up to three tiles if both agree.
After the Charleston and any courtesy exchange, players begin regular gameplay using the hand patterns on the current card.
Do not just pass your worst tiles. Pass with a plan.
The Charleston is not random cleanup. It is your first chance to shape the round. Keep tiles that work in more than one possible hand, and pass tiles that clearly do not fit where your hand is going.
What should you pass in the Charleston?
New players often pass too quickly. Slow down enough to look for patterns, but do not overthink every tile. The goal is to keep flexible pieces and release the ones that are clearly outside your plan.
- Keep flexible tiles Hold tiles that could work in two or three possible hands.
- Pass isolated tiles Single tiles with no support are often easier to let go.
- Protect your direction Once your hand starts forming, stop passing tiles that could help it.
- Watch what comes back Tiles you receive can show what other players may not be collecting.
- Do not pass jokers Jokers should not be passed in the Charleston.
- Use the card The pass makes more sense once you are building toward actual legal hands.
Beginner tip: In the first pass, keep options open. In later passes, become more selective as your hand starts to take shape.
The right table setup makes the Charleston easier to learn.
You can learn the Charleston without special gear, but a clear table setup helps. The Charleston Rules Mat keeps the pass order visible, and the full How to Play guide explains how the pass fits into the rest of the game.
Mah Jongg Mat with Charleston Rules
A 32 x 32 inch neoprene mat with Charleston rules printed on the surface for quick reference during play.
View Charleston Rules MatHow to Play American Mah Jongg
Use the beginner guide to understand tiles, racks, the card, setup, and how the Charleston fits into the game.
Read How to PlayMah Jongg Glossary
Use the glossary when a term like wall, rack, bettor, joker, exposure, or courtesy pass needs a quick explanation.
Open GlossaryHelpful answers for new players.
What is the Charleston in Mah Jongg?
The Charleston is the tile-passing sequence at the start of American Mah Jongg. Players exchange tiles before regular gameplay begins.
What is the order of the Charleston?
The core order is right, across, left. Each player passes three tiles in each direction.
What is the courtesy pass?
The courtesy pass is an optional exchange after the main Charleston. Players across from each other may exchange up to three tiles if both agree.
Can I pass jokers in the Charleston?
No. Do not pass jokers during the Charleston.
Do all Mah Jongg games use the Charleston?
No. The Charleston is part of American Mah Jongg. Other regional versions of Mah Jongg may not use it.
How long does the Charleston take?
Experienced tables move through it quickly. New tables may take longer while players check the direction and think through which tiles to pass.
What is the biggest beginner mistake?
Passing too aggressively before seeing what the hand might become. Early on, keep tiles that leave you with more than one possible direction.
Learn the pass, then let the game open up.
Once right, across, left feels natural, the Charleston becomes less intimidating and much more strategic.