The Charleston, Step by Step

The Charleston is one of the most distinctive parts of American mahjong, and it happens at the start of every hand. It’s a series of passes that lets all four players trade away tiles they don’t want and pick up ones they do. The first time, it feels a bit like a dance — which is exactly where the name comes from.

The first Charleston

Three passes in a row, three tiles each: first to your right, then across the table, then to your left. You receive three back each time, so your hand stays at thirteen. Pass away what doesn’t fit the hand you’re eyeing, and hold onto pairs, Flowers, and jokers.

The second Charleston and the courtesy pass

There’s an optional second round that runs the other way — left, across, right — and it can be stopped if your hand is already coming together, or skipped entirely if everyone agrees. Finally, the two players across from each other may agree to one last courtesy pass of zero to three tiles.