ANY PLAYER CAN STOP THE CHARLESTON WITHOUT GIVING A REASON (Article 118)

Commentary: For context, the Charleston is a pre-game activity allowing players to improve their hand. There are two rounds of passing, one with a final and a courtesy pass (e.g., optional across). The first round is compulsory with three tiles to the right, three tiles across, and three tiles to the left (players may pass up to three tiles blind in this pass). The second round is optional, so at this point, any player can stop the second round, no questions asked, as long as no one has looked at their incoming first-left pass. If someone stops the Charleston, all may participate in the final optional across pass. If all players agree to do the second round, they continue the process with three tiles to the left, three tiles across, and three tiles to the right (players may pass up to three tiles blind in this pass). Once underway, a round must be completed. Players negotiate a pass of up to three tiles for the courtesy pass with the opposite player.

While it is every player’s prerogative to stop the second round with no questions asked, it’s best to continue if a player has three tiles to pass. Some players stop the second round if they are in between categories or hands. By delaying the inevitable, they miss opportunities to advance development for the hand that has the greatest potential. Some players stop the second round to keep opponents from advancing hand development. That player often delays hand development themselves while trying to do it to others.

There is a misconception that the second round is a waste of time. Under most circumstances, it’s best to proceed because up to 12 more tiles can improve a player’s hand. If players do not see progress with their hand development, they may change their hand so new tiles can be passed. Because of this, some players may also be able to recover useful tiles passed in the first round.

Question from a player:   A player wants to stop the Charleston even though she has three tiles to pass. May she do so?

Answer from the NMJL:  Any player may stop the Charleston after the first three compulsory passes without giving a reason for doing so.

Source:  Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 page 13 paragraph 1; page 30 paragraph 2) 

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Other answers from the NMJL:   

“Any player may stop the passing after the first left for whatever reason.”

“Any player may stop the Charleston after the first three compulsory passes without giving a reason for doing so.  In this case, courtesy pass is permitted.  Once the second Charleston has been started then it must be completed with the last pass to the right.  Courtesy pass of one, two or three tiles is agreed upon by the opposite players.  Blind pass, see back of the score card, last paragraph.”

“You do not have to give any reason if you wish to stop the Charleston.  It is any player’s choice to do so.”

“A player may stop the passing without giving a reason for doing so.”

“Player who stopped the Charleston can still offer one, two or three tiles to her opposite player.”

Sources for other answers: National Mah Jongg League Bulletin Q&A (1980 page 3, 1981 page 2, 1982 page 4, 1984, 1993 page 12, 1996 page 5, 1995 page 5, 1977 page 4, 1978 page 4, 1988 page 5, 1991 page 12, 1969 page 4, 1971 page 4, 1972 page 5, 1973 page 4, 1974 page 4, 1975 page 3, 1983 page 3, 1997 page 5, 1999 page 5, 2000 page 5, 2002, 2005, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016)