CHARLESTON UNDERWAY AND MUST BE COMPLETED (Article 193)

Commentary: One of the elements that make American mah jongg unique is the exchange of tiles called “the Charleston.” The purpose of the Charleston is to strengthen your starting position for the pick-and-discard phase of the game. The Charleston consists of two rounds of three tiles being passed three times. The first round is compulsory, and the second round is optional. Once the Charleston is underway, the three passes must be completed.

There is one exception to this rule. Since East is dealt 14 tiles, they can be dealt a winning hand albeit rare. When that happens, they can declare mah jongg and not do the first Charleston.

Compulsory Charleston (right, across, left [blind pass allowed])

Any player can stop the Charleston at this point with no questions asked. If all players are agreed, they can continue with the optional Charleston. Once it starts, it must be completed.

Optional Charleston (left, across, right [blind pass allowed])

Optional Across (negotiate a pass with up to three tiles with the opposite player)

Question from a Player: Can the Charleston be stopped at any time?

Answer from the NMJL: 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.

Source: NMJL Bulletin (2000)