READING HANDS DURING THE CHARLESTON (ARTICLE 246)

Reading hands during the pick-and-discard phase of the game requires critical thinking with keen observation of discards and exposures. Typically, when a player has two exposures, you can identify the focus of their hand through a process of elimination. But how can this be done during the Charleston? If you analyze the tiles being passed to determine the tiles being kept, you can read the hands during Charleston! You can also use this skill to practice defensive passing by remembering what has been passed to you and from whom. Now it’s time to awaken your inner sleuth and gain an advantage at the table!

During the Charleston, analyze tiles being passed by your opponents to identify tiles being kept, then use the information to modify your tactics and mitigate the risk of passing tiles your opponents may need to build their hands. This isn’t a problem for people blessed with a photographic or strong short-term memory. For others, this can be a daunting task. Here are three options for a phased approach to reading hands during the Charleston.

Option 1: Segment Phases by Player Position (use anytime, anywhere, with anyone)
Phase 1 Analyze and remember tiles from the player across from you
Phase 2 Add the player on the left
Phase 3 Add the player on the right

Option 2: Segment Phases by Skill (ideal for recurring social group)
Phase 1 Analyze and remember the passes from the most skilled player
Phase 2 Add the next most skilled player
Phase 3 Add the last player

Option 3: Segment Phases by Round (ideal for drop-in games or tournaments)
Phase 1 Analyze and remember all three players’ passes for the first round
Phase 2 Add the second round

During the pick-and-discard phase of the game, observe discards and exposures, then, by process of elimination, validate your assumptions made during the Charleston and use the information to modify your tactics, mitigate risk, and optimize your potential to win! Here is a video demonstration: https://youtu.be/ybVy4R8CzLY