Late goals by Luke Varney and Hameur Bouazza helped Charlton sink Reading in a dramatic game of three penalties.
Matt Holland's close-range finish put Charlton ahead before Kevin Doyle hit the bar with Reading's first penalty.
Andy Gray extended the Addicks lead from the spot before Ibrahima Sonko's bullet header and a twice-taken Stephen Hunt penalty brought Reading level.
But Varney's header restored Charlton's lead and Bouazza's volley made it 4-2 before Sonko was sent off late on.
Charlton boss Alan Pardew:
"We've got to aim to do that every week. The problem we had last year was that we had the odd performance like that.
"I can think of games against Stoke and Crystal Palace when we were hoping we'd get promoted only to blow it the week after.
"We now have a tricky trip to Preston. There, I'm afraid, we're going to have to do the same and if we're going to win there that's the level we've got to play at. So there are still some question marks but it was a great performance."
Reading manager Steve Coppell:
"When we got back to 2-2 I thought the momentum should have been with us. But credit to Charlton - they came back strongly and played with plenty of width and made it hard for us.
"Last week people were complimenting us for our clean sheets - now it's the opposite end of the spectrum.
"I don't want to complain about the referee but it did appear a jittery and nervous performance."
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