How does Courtesy Pass (Optional Across) apply to the 2026 NMJL card?

In the 2026 card, mastering Courtesy Pass (Optional Across) ensures legal hand compliance, prevents accidental exposures, and enables sharp tactical transitions during both the Charleston passing rounds and active play.

Courtesy Pass (Optional Across)

Category: Fundamentals | Pronunciation: /ˈkɜːr.tə.si pæs/

Official Definition & Core Meaning

The final optional pass directly across the table, allowing players to agree mutually on passing 0, 1, 2, or 3 tiles.

Understanding the precise mechanical definition of Courtesy Pass (Optional Across) 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

Whether the Second Charleston was played or stopped after the First Charleston, the Courtesy Pass ALWAYS happens next. Players seated opposite each other (East with West; North with South) negotiate how many tiles to exchange—0, 1, 2, or 3. The player who wants to pass the FEWER number of tiles always sets the limit.

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 Courtesy Pass (Optional Across) must follow clear spoken announcements and precise tile placement.

Real Table Scenario & Spoken Dialogue

North stops the Second Charleston. Even though North said "Stop", she can still look across at South and ask, "One or two for Courtesy?" If South says "One," they exchange 1 tile face-down across the table.

Common Beginner Mistake & Dead Hand Risk

Thinking that the player who stopped the Second Charleston is forbidden from participating in the Courtesy Pass, or thinking you can Blind Pass during the Courtesy Pass.

Official NMJL Tournament Rule vs. Casual House Rules

Official NMJL Rule: Stopping the Second Charleston does NOT bar that player from asking for 1, 2, or 3 tiles in the Courtesy Pass (she stopped Round 2 because she didn't want to endure three mandatory 3-tile passes, not because she had zero junk tiles).

Official Rule Reference: NMJL Rules §Courtesy Pass: "Optional pass of 0, 1, 2, or 3 tiles with opposite player; the lower number always governs."

Strategic Pro Tip: Courtesy Pass is NOT cancelled when someone stops the Second Charleston! Stopping the Charleston only skips Round 2 (Left-Across-Right); you still negotiate the Courtesy Pass across.