How does the courtesy pass work?

Short answer: 0 to 3 tiles with the player across

After the Charleston, you and the player across from you may swap zero to three tiles. Nobody has to pass more than they want, so you trade the smaller number.

The detail

The courtesy pass is optional for each pair of opposite players. One pair can trade while the other pair does not.

If you want to pass three and the player across wants to pass two, you trade two. If either of you wants none, you trade nothing.

It still happens when someone has stopped the second Charleston.

As in the rest of the Charleston, jokers cannot be passed.

Sources

Tom Sloper, American mah-jongg FAQ 19

These follow standard National Mah Jongg League rules. House rules vary; agree on them before you play.

The detail

Sources

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