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MAHJ — Lesson 5

The Charleston

The trading ritual that makes American Mahjong unique

Goal: Understand the full Charleston sequence — directions, blind passes, courtesy mechanics, and when you can declare Mahjong mid-Charleston

Estimated time: 8–11 minutes

Prerequisite: Lesson 4

Unlocks: Lesson 6

Why it matters: The Charleston is unique to American Mahjong and confuses every newcomer. Master it here and you'll feel ready at any table.

Step 1 of 11

🔄 What Is the Charleston?

Right after the deal — but before the game starts — players do something unique to American Mahjong: they trade tiles with each other.

This is the Charleston. You pass tiles you don't want, and receive tiles other players don't want. The idea is that everyone has a chance to improve their starting hand before play begins.

It's the most distinctive ritual in American Mahjong. It's also the part that confuses brand-new players the most — so we'll go slow.