Courtesy Pass

An optional exchange of 0 to 3 tiles between the two players sitting opposite each other, performed after the Charleston is complete. Both players must agree on how many tiles to swap.

What Is the Courtesy Pass?

The courtesy pass is the final tile exchange in the pre-game passing sequence, occurring after the First Charleston (and Second Charleston, if played). It is an optional exchange between the two players sitting directly across from each other at the table.

Unlike the Charleston passes, where all four players participate simultaneously, the courtesy pass only involves two players. The other two players sit out this exchange entirely. Each pair of opposite players negotiates independently, but in standard American Mah Jongg, there is only one courtesy pass between the pair sitting across.

The defining feature of the courtesy pass is that both players must agree on the number of tiles to exchange. The options are 0, 1, 2, or 3 tiles. If one player wants to pass 2 tiles but the other only wants to pass 1, they must negotiate. If they cannot agree, the courtesy pass does not happen and play begins immediately.

How the Courtesy Pass Works

Here is the step-by-step process:

1. The Charleston (First and optionally Second) has been completed
2. The two players sitting across from each other discuss how many tiles they want to exchange
3. Common phrases include "I can pass 3," "I'd like to pass 2," or "I'm good" (meaning zero)
4. Once both players agree on a number (0-3), they simultaneously select that many tiles from their hand
5. They push the tiles face-down to each other across the table
6. Both players pick up the received tiles and add them to their hand
7. Regular gameplay begins with the dealer (East) discarding the first tile

Key rules:

• The courtesy pass is always optional, either player can decline
• Both players must pass the same number of tiles
• There is no blind passing during the courtesy pass, you choose which tiles to pass from your hand
• Jokers should never be passed during the courtesy pass (same as the Charleston)

Negotiation and Strategy

The courtesy pass is the only part of the Charleston sequence that involves direct negotiation between players, which makes it socially and strategically interesting.

Negotiation etiquette:

• Be honest about how many tiles you'd like to pass, don't pretend you want zero when you really want three
• It's perfectly acceptable to say "I'd prefer not to pass", this is not rude
• If there's a disagreement, the lower number wins as a common compromise (e.g., one player wants 3 and the other wants 1, they pass 1)
• Some groups adopt a house rule that the lower number always prevails automatically

Strategic tips:

• Pass aggressively early, The courtesy pass is your last chance to improve your hand before play starts. If you have tiles that don't fit any of your target hands, pass them
• Be wary of information leakage, The number of tiles your opponent wants to pass reveals information. A player wanting to pass 3 tiles is likely still deciding between hands, while a player passing 0 probably has a focused hand already
• Consider what you're receiving, Unlike the Charleston where tiles pass through multiple players, the courtesy pass comes directly from the player across. If that player has been passing you Winds all through the Charleston, expect more of the same
• Don't be afraid of zero, If your hand is well-organized after the Charleston, passing zero is often the right call. Every exchange carries risk
• Use it to pivot, If the Charleston didn't go your way, the courtesy pass is a last opportunity to pick up a tile or two that might open up a new hand option on the NMJL card