Why You Should Not Do the Optional Pass with a Player Who Stopped the Charleston
The optional pass, sometimes referred to as the courtesy pass, occurs after the first and second Charleston rounds or after someone has stopped the Charleston. While it may seem like a harmless exchange, passing tiles to a player who stopped the Charleston can put you at a strategic disadvantage. Here’s why you should not do the Optional Pass with a player who Stopped the Charleston:
1. Limited Information About Their Hand
A player who stops the Charleston has already determined that their hand is strong enough without needing additional tile exchanges. Since you do not know what they are working on, passing tiles to them blindly could inadvertently help them complete their hand faster.
2. They Have a More Developed Hand Than You Do
Stopping the Charleston signals confidence your opponent has one strong hand in mind. While other players may still be refining their options, this player has already committed to one thing. Passing tiles to them gives them more chances to solidify their hand, putting them closer to Mah Jongg while you are still developing your own.
3. You Could Be Helping Them Win
Since the Charleston is the main way to cycle through unwanted tiles, stopping it means this player has fewer undesired tiles. It is not uncommon for another player to have to pass something they actually need during the Charleston. For example, a player received two tiles toward their hand during the 2nd left and must pass three tiles on the 2nd Must Across. By passing tiles to them during the optional pass, you might inadvertently be giving them back the tile they gave up and exactly what they need to solidify a potential win.
4. The Optional Pass Should Be Mutually Beneficial
The optional pass is meant to help both players refine their hands. However, when one player has already locked in a strong position, the exchange becomes one-sided. While you may be hoping to receive a helpful tile, they are much more likely to benefit from the pass than you are.
5. Defensive Play is Just as Important as Building Your Hand
Mah Jongg is not just about forming your own hand—it’s also about preventing your opponents from completing theirs. Avoiding the optional pass with a player who stopped the Charleston is a defensive strategy that minimizes their advantage while giving you a better opportunity to progress in the game.
Conclusion
While the optional pass can be a useful tool in refining your hand, it should be used strategically. If a player stops the Charleston, consider it a warning sign that their hand is already strong. Instead of passing tiles that could help them, focus on your own strategy and play defensively. Being mindful of these decisions can make the difference between winning and inadvertently handing the win to someone else.
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