Discard vs Charity

[koolkat67]

When can you discard instead of charity?

Example: I've seen when you have to discard a Race card you have to give to Charity (lowest level player) and I've see you can simple discard it.

Is there a difference in what way it is discarded depending on which point you want to get rid of the card...such as a Race card on the table being replaced by another Race card vs removing a Race card from your hand to get down to 5 cards?

And I assume the term "discard" in the game means it goes in the face-up pile.

[MunchkinMan]

Charity only applies to cards in your hand. If you have more than 5 cards in your hand at the end of your turn, then you must try to legally play the excess, or you'll have to give it to the lowest Level player(s), unless you are the lowest Level player (or tied for lowest). In the case where you're lowest (or tied), you can discard the excess (and only excess).

A Race, Power, or Minion in play can be discarded at any time. The rules explicitly state that. Cards in your hand (regardless of what type of card it would be in play) and Items in play can not be discarded "just because." I believe the rules are explicit about that, as well. Curses, certain Race powers, Powers, and other cards might provide opportunities for you discard cards, which could come from your cards in play (including Items), or from your hand. Selling allows you to discard Items that are in play, as well as Item cards from your hand.

And, yes, you are right about the definition of discarding.