What is Agari? Understanding 4 Sets + 1 Pair Winning Hand Explained for Beginners

What is Agari (Winning Hand)?

Agari (和了) refers to completing your hand and scoring points in mahjong. Formally written as “和了” (hora), it’s commonly called “agari.” The basic form is “4 sets + 1 pair,” with the goal of collecting 14 tiles.

There are two types of agari: “tsumo” and “ron,” and you must have at least one “yaku” (hand pattern). Simply having 14 tiles isn’t enough to win—meeting the yaku requirement creates mahjong’s strategic depth.

Detailed Explanation of Agari

Basic Winning Hand Structure

4 Sets + 1 Pair Composition (14 tiles):

Sets×4 + Pair×1 = 14 tiles (3×4) + (2×1)

Example: (sequence) (sequence) (sequence) (triplet) (pair)

Types of Agari

Type	Method	Characteristic	Yaku
Tsumo	Self-draw from the wall	Points from all players	Menzen Tsumo
Ron	Opponent’s discard	Points from discarder	Other yaku needed

Requirements for Agari

3 Winning Conditions:
1. Formal Completion
   - 4 sets + 1 pair
   - Or special forms (chiitoitsu, kokushi)

2. Existence of Yaku
   - Minimum 1 required
   - No yaku = cannot win

3. Not in Furiten
   - Not waiting on own discards
   - Temporary furiten also invalid

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Basic Usage

"Agari!" (I won!)
"Tsumo agari desu" (Self-draw win)
"Ron de agaru" (Win by ron)

Example 2: Situation Description

"Can't win without yaku"
"Having the shape isn't enough to win"
"Aiming for a winning hand"

Example 3: Strategic Discussion

"Prioritize winning even with low points"
"Aiming for high-scoring win"
"Missed wins lead to losses"

Tsumo: Winning by self-draw
Ron: Winning on opponent’s discard
Tenpai: One tile away from winning
Yaku: Hand patterns required to win
Mentsu: Set of 3 tiles
Jantou: Pair (2 identical tiles)

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

Winning without yaku
- Shape alone isn’t enough
- Need at least 1 yaku
- Results in chombo (penalty)
Ron while in furiten
- Cannot ron on tiles in discards
- Tsumo is still allowed
- Temporary furiten also counts
Overlooking special forms
- Chiitoitsu (7 pairs)
- Kokushi musou (special form)
- Not just 4 sets + 1 pair
Misunderstanding scoring
- Number of yaku ≠ points
- Fu calculation also matters
- Different for dealer/non-dealer

Winning Hand Patterns

Standard Form (4 Sets + 1 Pair)

Basic Patterns:

1. Sequence-based

2. Triplet-based

3. Mixed

Special Forms

Form	Composition	Feature
Chiitoitsu	7 pairs	Fixed 25 fu
Kokushi musou	Terminals + 1 pair	Yakuman
Suuankou	4 concealed triplets	Yakuman

Path to Agari

From Starting Hand to Win

Progression Stages:
1. Starting Hand (13 tiles)
   - Check shanten count
   - Decide strategy

2. Hand Building Phase
   - Discard unnecessary tiles
   - Create sets

3. Tenpai
   - One tile away
   - Consider riichi

4. Agari
   - Tsumo or ron
   - Receive points

Efficient Winning Strategy

Strategy	Content	Merit
Prioritize open waits	Increase waiting tiles	Higher win rate
Secure yaku	Build yaku early	Peace of mind
Consider defense	Avoid dealing in	Net positive

Relationship Between Agari and Yaku

Why Yaku is Required

Importance of Yaku:
1. Enhanced Gameplay
   - Not just tile matching
   - Strategic depth

2. Eliminate Pure Luck
   - Can't win on luck alone
   - Skill required

3. Diverse Play Styles
   - Various yaku to aim for
   - Range of strategies

Beginner-Friendly Yaku

Yaku Name	Requirement	Difficulty
Riichi	Tenpai declaration	Easy
Tanyao	Simples only	Easy
Yakuhai	Specific triplet	Easy
Pinfu	All sequences	Medium

Agari Validation

Confirming Valid Win

Checklist:
□ 14 tiles collected
□ 4 sets + 1 pair (or special form)
□ At least 1 yaku
□ Not in furiten
□ No rule violations

Agari Procedure

Order	Action	Notes
1	Declaration	Say “Tsumo” or “Ron”
2	Reveal hand	Show all tiles
3	Declare yaku	State accurately
4	Declare points	Calculate and announce

Timing of Agari

When to Win Aggressively

Situations to win actively:
1. Final round (Oorasu)
   - Secure placement
   - Comeback opportunity

2. Dealer turn
   - Renchan chance
   - 1.5x points

3. When leading
   - Escape strategy
   - Safety priority

When to Pass on Winning

Situation	Reason	Decision
Low-value hand	Wait for higher score	Situational
Yakuman wait	Chase the dream	High risk
Furiten acceptable	Switch to other wait	Advanced

Tips to Increase Win Rate

Basic Concepts

Elements of Higher Win Rate:
1. Wait breadth
   - Create multiple waits
   - Maintain good shapes

2. Easy yaku formation
   - Aim for multiple yaku
   - Yaku even after calling

3. Balance with defense
   - Don't deal in
   - Win overall

Practical Points

Game Phase	Priority	Reason
Early	Keep options open	Preserve possibilities
Middle	Secure yaku	Ensure ability to win
Late	Prioritize speed	Running out of time

Statistics on Agari

Average Win Rates

General Statistics:
- Win rate per hand: ~25%
- Tsumo:Ron ratio: 6:4
- Average winning turn: 11-12
- Riichi win rate: ~30%

Distribution of Winning Forms

Winning Form	Rate	Feature
4 sets + 1 pair	~95%	Standard
Chiitoitsu	~4%	Special
Kokushi musou	~0.04%	Yakuman
Other yakuman	~0.96%	Super rare

Conclusion

Agari (winning hand) is mahjong’s ultimate goal, basically collecting 4 sets + 1 pair for 14 tiles. However, you need at least one yaku in addition to the shape, and this requirement makes mahjong a deep game.

Beginners should first understand the basic “shape + yaku = agari” concept, then start with simple yaku (riichi, tanyao, yakuhai, etc.). Win points by winning hands, and win the game. Using various strategies toward this straightforward goal is the essence of mahjong’s appeal.