Official Definition & Core Meaning
Passing incoming unexamined tiles directly through to the next recipient when short of disposable tiles (allowed on 3rd & 6th pass).
Understanding the precise mechanical definition of Blind Pass (Steal) is critical for competitive American Mahjong and sanctioned NMJL tournament play. Confusion surrounding this term often leads to table disputes, accidental dead hand declarations, or missed scoring opportunities.
Exhaustive Rule Analysis & Mechanics
During the final pass of either Charleston round—Pass #3 (First Left) or Pass #6 (Second Right)—if your hand is so strong that you only have 0, 1, or 2 unwanted tiles left on your rack, you do not have to break up your good tiles. Instead, you place your 0–2 unwanted tiles face-down, announce "I am blind passing [1/2/3]", and push the incoming tiles from your neighbor directly to your recipient WITHOUT looking at them.
During live play, adhering to standard table procedures ensures that all participants have equal opportunity to react to discards, verify calls, and inspect exposures according to the official rulebook. Every action involving Blind Pass (Steal) must follow clear spoken announcements and precise tile placement.
Real Table Scenario & Spoken Dialogue
On Pass #3 (First Left), you only have one junk tile left on your rack. You place that 1 tile face-down on the table, wait for the player on your right to pass you 3 face-down tiles, slide 2 of her face-down tiles onto your 1 tile without peeking, and pass all 3 to your left.
Common Beginner Mistake & Dead Hand Risk
Looking at all 3 incoming tiles first and then trying to pass 2 of them back out as a "blind pass", or attempting to blind pass on an Across pass.
Official NMJL Tournament Rule vs. Casual House Rules
Official NMJL Rule: Because Blind Passes happen without looking at the incoming tiles, it is possible for two opposing players to both Blind Pass all 3 tiles on the exact same pass—in which case the tiles simply bypass both racks!
Official Rule Reference: NMJL Rules §Blind Pass: "Permitted only on the 3rd pass of the First Charleston (Left) and 3rd pass of the Second Charleston (Right)."
Strategic Pro Tip: If you only have 1 unwanted tile on Pass #3 (First Left), blind pass 2 tiles and immediately say "Stop!" after the pass—there is no reason to enter the Second Charleston if your rack is already full of keepers.
Related Glossary Terms & Reference Links