Can you stop the Charleston?
By Jerry Chen. Checked and updated November 1, 2026
Short answer: only after the first Charleston
Yes, but only between the first and second Charleston. Any player can stop it, for any reason, before anyone picks up the second left pass.
The detail
The first Charleston (right, across, left) is compulsory for everyone.
The second Charleston (left, across, right) is optional. Any one player can stop it and does not have to give a reason. If one player stops it, everyone stops.
Once anyone has picked up her second left pass, it is too late to stop, and the whole second Charleston must be played.
Stopping the second Charleston does not cancel the courtesy pass.
Sources
These follow standard National Mah Jongg League rules. House rules vary; agree on them before you play.
Related questions
- How does the courtesy pass work?
- How does the blind pass work in the Charleston?
- Can you pass a joker in the Charleston?
- Can you use a joker in a pair?
- Can you discard a joker?
- Can you call a discarded joker?
- When can you exchange a joker?
- Can you exchange a joker from a dead hand?
See more questions in The Charleston, the complete rules, or all 52 rule questions.