What is Baiman? 8+ Han High Scoring Explained for Beginners

What is Baiman?

Baiman (倍満) is a scoring tier in mahjong, achieved with 8 to 10 han. The name means “double mangan,” with parent scoring 24,000 points and child scoring 16,000 points.

While not reaching yakuman, baiman represents the highest scoring tier achievable through normal yaku combinations, making it a major goal in mahjong.

Detailed Explanation of Baiman

Baiman Requirements and Points

Han Count and Scoring Tiers

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Baiman Confirmation

"Chinitsu dora 3 - baiman confirmed!"
"Riichi ippatsu tsumo sanankou dora dora - baiman!"

Example 2: Aiming for Baiman

"2 more han would make baiman, let's riichi"
"Got 7 han, tsumo would be baiman"

Example 3: Baiman’s Impact

"Direct baiman hit secures first place"
"Parent baiman tsumo for the comeback!"

How to Build Baiman

Representative Baiman Patterns

1. Yaku Combination Patterns

2. Dora-Utilizing Baiman

Basic yaku 5 han + Dora 3 = 8 han (Baiman)
Basic yaku 4 han + Dora 4 = 8 han (Baiman)

Situations Favorable for Baiman

1. When dora is plentiful

   • 3+ dora in hand
   • Expect kandora and uradora

2. When high-han yaku available

   • Chinitsu (6 han)
   • Honitsu (3 han) + other yaku
   • Sanankou (2 han) + Toitoi (2 han)

3. When multiple yaku combine

   • Pinfu-based: Riichi + Pinfu + Sanshoku, etc.
   • Triplet-based: Toitoi + Sanankou + Yakuhai, etc.

Related Terms

• Mangan: 3-5 han scoring tier
• Haneman: 6-7 han scoring tier
• Sanbaiman: 11-12 han scoring tier
• Kazoe Yakuman: 13+ han
• Dora: 1 han per tile

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. 7 Han is Not Baiman

   • 7 han is haneman
   • Baiman starts at 8 han

2. 11 Han is Sanbaiman

   • Up to 10 han is baiman
   • Sanbaiman from 11 han

3. Fu Doesn’t Matter

   • 8+ han ignores fu
   • Same points whether 30 fu or 70 fu

4. Different from Yakuman

   • Baiman is accumulated regular yaku
   • Yakuman requires specific patterns

Baiman Occurrence Frequency and Value

Occurrence Frequency

Value of Baiman

• Point value: Double mangan’s destructive power
• Psychological value: Major pressure on opponents
• Strategic value: Potential for comeback wins

Baiman Tactics

Hand Building Strategy

1. Early game: Focus on high-han yaku

   • Look for flush possibilities
   • Preserve dora tiles

2. Mid game: Aim for yaku combinations

   • Build toward multiple yaku
   • Count dora tiles

3. Late game: Balance certainty

   • Win securely rather than force
   • Use riichi to add han

Baiman Strategy Notes

Risk and Reward:

• Risk of dealing in while chasing high hands
• Choice between certain mangan vs uncertain baiman
• Situational judgment is crucial

Baiman Win Examples

Common Baiman Hands

1. Riichi-based Baiman

   Riichi(1) + Ippatsu(1) + Tsumo(1) + Pinfu(1) + Iipeikou(1) + Dora 3 = 8 han

2. Flush Baiman

   Honitsu(3) + Toitoi(2) + Yakuhai(1) + Dora 2 = 8 han

3. Sanankou Baiman

   Sanankou(2) + Toitoi(2) + Yakuhai(2) + Dora 2 = 8 han

Conclusion

Baiman is achieved with 8+ han, scoring 24,000 for parent and 16,000 for child. This is the highest scoring tier achievable through normal yaku combinations. With an occurrence frequency of about 1%, achieving baiman brings special satisfaction. The overwhelming points of double mangan can dramatically change the game. Beginners should be aware of baiman potential when holding many dora or high-han yaku. However, avoid overreaching and make situational judgments.