THE VALUE OF A HEAVENLY HAND (Article 41)

Commentary: Although rare, East can be dealt a winning hand called a Heavenly Hand. Similarly, if East has a winning hand after the Charleston, it’s called an Earthly Hand. In both situations, the value of the hand is doubled as a bonus!

During the Charleston, all players need to be mindful of the development of their hand because there is only one opportunity to stop passing, just after the first left. If the timing is right, players can pass blind on the last pass of each round. If players are caught unawares, they may be required to pass a needed tile. If this happens, pass a replaceable tile (i.e., call a discard for an exposure, pick a tile from the wall, use a joker).

Abstract:  If after the tiles are dealt out, and before the Charleston begins, East player has mah jongg it is referred to as a Heavenly Hand. When the game ends, the winner (East) is paid double the value of the hand.    

Question from a player:  What is the value of a heavenly hand? 
 
Answer from the NMJL: If East, who has 14 tiles, draws a Mah Jongg hand, the Charleston is waived. This is called a “Heavenly Hand” East wins instantly and gets paid double from all. 

• If East has Mah Jongg before the Charleston begins, the Charleston is waived, and East declares Mah Jongg immediately. This is referred to as the “Heavenly Hand”. It is considered a self-picked Mah Jongg, and the winner collects double from each player.
• If you are East and have Mah Jongg after the Charleston, you may declare Mah Jongg immediately. This is referred to as the “Earthly Hand”. It is considered a self-picked Mah Jongg, and the winner collects double from each player.

Source:  Mah Jongg Made Easy (2024 page 12 The Charleston; page 14 bullets 6 and 7)