What is Damaten? Difference from Riichi and Benefits Explained

What is Damaten (Silent Tenpai)?

Damaten (黙聴) refers to being in tenpai while closed (menzen) without declaring riichi. The name means “silent tenpai,” and it’s also called “yamiten” (闇聴/dark tenpai).

Without the riichi declaration, opponents are less likely to notice you’re in tenpai, making it an important tactical option to use depending on the situation.

Detailed Explanation of Damaten

Comparing Damaten and Riichi

Situations Where Damaten is Chosen

1. Already have yaku

   • Tanyao, Pinfu, Yakuhai, etc.
   • Can win without riichi

2. Riichi is risky

   • Opponent likely in tenpai
   • Large point difference

3. Want to change hand

   • Aiming for better hand
   • Changing to better wait

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Choosing Damaten

"Have tanpin so dama is fine"
"Opponent riichi'd so I'll wait in dama"
"Dora 2 so even dama is mangan"

Example 2: Winning from Damaten

"Damaten ron!"
"Was dama? Didn't notice at all"
"Damaten tsumo! Pinfu tsumo"

Example 3: Damaten to Riichi

"Was in dama but switching to riichi!"
"Drew dora so changing from dama to riichi"

Advantages and Disadvantages of Damaten

Advantages

Disadvantages

Related Terms

• Riichi: Tenpai declaration yaku
• Menzen: Not having called
• Tenpai: One away from winning
• Furiten: Can’t ron on own discards
• Yamiten: Another name for damaten

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. Damaten with No Yaku

   • Can’t win without yaku
   • Always confirm you have yaku

2. Calling Breaks Damaten

   • Pon/Chi means no damaten
   • “Menzen” is required

3. Furiten Still Applies

   • Furiten happens even in damaten
   • Check your discards

4. Tsumo Alone Isn’t Yaku

   • Tsumo by itself isn’t yaku
   • Need menzen tsumo (self-draw win)

Damaten Strategy

When to Choose Damaten

1. Early Game: Usually Riichi

- Riichi for high score
- Damaten if hand is bad

2. Mid Game: Situational

- Damaten if opponents are fast
- Riichi if you're alone

3. Late Game: Safety Focus

- Consider point difference
- Damaten if prioritizing defense

Using Damaten Appropriately

Practical Damaten Examples

Case 1: Tanpin Dama

Hand: 234m 345p 456s 78p 55m
Wait: 69p (ryanmen wait)

Decision: Damaten
Reason: Tanyao and Pinfu confirmed

Case 2: Yakuhai Dama

Hand: 123m 456p 789s White-White-White 4m
Wait: 4m (tanki wait)

Decision: Consider riichi too
Reason: Bad wait but riichi intimidation has value

Case 3: Aiming for Hand Change

Hand: 123m 345p 567p 89s 33s
Wait: 7s (penchan wait)

Decision: Damaten and aim for better shape
Reason: Drawing 3s or 456 gives good shape

Damaten Warnings

When Damaten Gets Read

1. From tile handling

   • Holding safe tiles
   • Not discarding dangerous tiles
   • Sudden speed up

2. From discard pile

   • Hand looks good
   • Yaku clearly visible

3. From discarding drawn tiles

   • Hand is complete
   • Continues discarding draws

South 4 (Orasu) Damaten

Thinking by Position

Leading:

• Cheap hand in damaten is OK
• Don’t take risks

2nd/3rd Place:

• Judge by situation
• Consider comeback possibility

Last Place:

• Riichi for comeback
• Damaten won’t catch up

Conclusion

Damaten is a tactic of being in tenpai while menzen without declaring riichi, combining flexibility and surprise as an important option. While sacrificing riichi’s 1 han and uradora, it offers freedom to change hands and is harder for opponents to read.

Beginners should first confirm “do I have yaku?” and consider damaten when you have basic yaku like tanyao or pinfu. Being able to choose between riichi and damaten based on the situation is an important step in mahjong improvement.