The Charleston: American Mahjong's Passing Ritual Explained

The three passes

At the start of an American Mah Jongg game, each player passes three tiles. First pass: pass three to the player on your right. Second pass: pass three across. Third pass: pass three to your left. This is the Charleston.

Players receive three tiles in return each round, so the hand stays at 13 after each exchange.

The second Charleston and courtesy pass

If no player declares mah jongg, a second, optional Charleston can be played — but any player may veto it. After the second, players may request a "courtesy pass": one tile passed left, one across, one right, at their option.

Strategy

Pass tiles that are far from your hand's direction, but watch what others pass you — it hints at which section of the card they are building. This site automates the Charleston with a clear prompt so you always know whose turn it is to pass.