What are Chunchanpai?
Chunchanpai (Simple Tiles) refers to the 2 through 8 tiles of each numbered suit in mahjong. This includes 21 types (7 per suit × 3 suits), totaling 84 tiles - about 62% of all mahjong tiles.
The name means “middle-stretched tiles” - they sit between the terminal 1s and 9s. These tiles form the backbone of most hands and are essential for the common Tanyao yaku.
Simple Tiles List
| Suit | Simple Tiles | Count |
|---|---|---|
| Manzu | 2-man to 8-man | 28 tiles |
| Pinzu | 2-pin to 8-pin | 28 tiles |
| Souzu | 2-sou to 8-sou | 28 tiles |
| Total | 21 types | 84 tiles |
Key Characteristics
Simple tile advantages:
1. Easy to form sequences
- Ryanmen waits common
- Example: 34 waits on 2-5
2. Relatively safe defensively
- 4, 5, 6 especially
- Often safe mid-game
3. Tanyao foundation
- All-simples = Tanyao
- Most common yakuTile Classifications
| Category | Tiles | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| Chunchanpai | 2-8 number tiles | Tanyao tiles |
| Routouhai | 1 & 9 number tiles | Terminals |
| Jihai | Honor tiles | Winds + dragons |
| Yaochuuhai | 1, 9, honors | Non-simple tiles |
Tanyao Connection
Chunchanpai’s most important role is enabling Tanyao (All Simples):
- Requirement: Hand uses only chunchanpai
- Value: 1 han
- Frequency: Very common (~20% of hands)
- Benefit: Easy to make, combines well
Related Yaku
| Yaku | Simple Tile Role |
|---|---|
| Tanyao | Exclusively chunchanpai |
| Pinfu | Ryanmen waits with simples |
| Sanshoku | Often made with simples |
| Ittsu | 456 portion is all simples |
Strategic Uses
Offense
-
Build from the center
- 5 is most valuable (connects to 4 types)
- 4 and 6 also excellent
- Form ryanmen easily
-
Aim for Tanyao early
- Discard terminals/honors
- Keep 2-8 tiles grouped
Defense
Defensive value:
- 4, 5, 6 are relatively safe
- Even without suji
- Mid-game discards less dangerous
- But not absolutely safeTile Value Ranking
| Tile | Value | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Highest | Connects to most tiles |
| 4, 6 | High | Adjacent to 5 |
| 3, 7 | Medium | Good connections |
| 2, 8 | Lower | Near terminals |
When Simples Are Lacking
If your hand has few simple tiles:
- Chanta route: Use terminals + honors
- Toitoi route: Switch to triplet hand
- Kokushi route: Collect all terminal/honor types
Common Mistakes
-
Including honors
- Honors are NOT chunchanpai
- East, South, etc. = different category
-
Including 1s and 9s
- Terminals ≠ simples
- 1-man, 9-pin = routouhai
-
Tanyao rules
- Open Tanyao (kuitan) allowed in most rulesets
- Some rulesets require closed hand
-
Overconfidence in safety
- Simples can still be dangerous
- Context matters
Related Terms
- Routouhai: Terminal tiles (1, 9)
- Yaochuuhai: Terminals + honors
- Tanyao: All-simples yaku
- Jihai: Honor tiles
Summary
Chunchanpai (simple tiles) are the 2-8 numbered tiles - the most versatile and frequently used tiles in mahjong. They’re essential for Tanyao, excellent for forming sequences, and relatively safe defensively. Focus on building hands around these tiles, especially the central 4-5-6, for efficient play.