What is Double Riichi? The First-Turn Riichi 2-Han Yaku Explained for Beginners

What is Double Riichi?

Double Riichi (ダブル立直), also called “daburi,” is a 2-han yaku in mahjong that completes when you declare riichi on your very first draw. While normal riichi is 1 han, double riichi is worth 2 han because of the rare situation where you’re already in tenpai from or near your starting hand.

With an occurrence rate of about 0.1%, it’s quite rare, but if you achieve it, you can expect a high-scoring hand.

Detailed Explanation of Double Riichi

Conditions for Completion

To complete double riichi, you must meet ALL these conditions:

Difference from Normal Riichi

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Declaration

"Double riichi!"
"Daburi!"

Example 2: Confirmation

"Tenpai from starting hand, can double"
"First draw tenpai, it's double"

Example 3: During Play

"An unexpected daburi"
"First time seeing double riichi"

Double Riichi Shapes

Dealer’s Double Riichi from Starting Hand

Starting hand 14 tiles: 123m 456p 789s 111E 44s
→ Already in tenpai, declare riichi immediately
→ Double riichi established

Non-Dealer’s First Draw Double Riichi

Starting hand 13 tiles: 234m 456p 789s 222E 5s
First draw: 5s
→ Tenpai on first draw, declare riichi immediately
→ Double riichi established

Related Terms

• Riichi: Normal riichi
• Menzen: Closed hand state
• Tenpai: One tile away from winning
• Tenhou: Dealer wins on dealt hand
• Chiihou: Non-dealer wins on first draw

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. After Someone Calls

   • If anyone calls, invalid
   • Watch for first-round calls

2. Dealer vs Non-Dealer

   • Dealer: tenpai with 14 dealt tiles
   • Non-dealer: tenpai on first draw

3. Confusion with Normal Riichi

   • Second turn onward is normal riichi
   • Only first turn gets 2 han

4. Combined Yaku Calculation

   • Double riichi is 2 han
   • Can combine with ippatsu and tsumo

Tactics for Double Riichi

Starting Hand Decisions

Double riichi conditions:

Risk and Return

Double riichi advantages:

1. High score

   • Starts at 2 han
   • Combines with ippatsu and tsumo

2. Pressure on opponents

   • Fastest riichi intimidation
   • Forces defense

3. Uradora

   • Uradora expectation
   • Haneman+ possible

Double riichi disadvantages:

1. Can’t defend

   • Can’t fold after riichi
   • Vulnerable to opponents

2. Can’t change wait

   • Can’t modify waiting tiles
   • Furiten risk

Double Riichi in Practice

Path to Double Riichi

Ideal flow:

Starting hand: Coincidentally tenpai or iishanten
↓
Dealer: Tenpai with 14 dealt tiles
Non-dealer: Tenpai on first draw
↓
Immediately declare riichi
↓
Double riichi established, 2 han guaranteed

Post-Double Riichi Outcomes

Win patterns:

Double Riichi Probability and Value

Occurrence Rate

Statistics:

• Double riichi completion: ~0.1%
• Starting hand tenpai: ~1%
• First draw tenpai: ~3%
• Actual daburi declarations: Very rare

Comparison with Other Rare Yaku

Rarity ranking:

1. Yakuman (~0.05%)
2. Double Riichi (~0.1%)
3. Sanankou (~0.3%)
4. Shousangen (~0.2%)

Double Riichi Strategy Points

When Unsure About Declaring

Should declare double riichi:

• Good shape wait
• Many dora
• Opponents’ hands look weak
• Early timing

Consider normal riichi:

• Bad shape wait
• Point situation is tough
• Opponents’ hands look strong
• Want to avoid risk

Effect on Opponents

Double riichi pressure:

1. Immediate fold

   • Most opponents fold
   • Safe tile priority

2. Abandon their hands

   • Opponents break their hands
   • Give up tenpai

3. Frozen play

   • Fewer calls
   • Passive development

Compatible Yaku Combinations

Commonly Combined Yaku

High Score Example

Double Riichi + Ippatsu + Tsumo + Tanyao + Dora 1:

5 han = Mangan (8,000 or 12,000 pts)
With uradora, haneman+

Local Rules

Double Riichi Treatment

Regional variations:

• Standard: 2 han
• Some regions: 3 han (rare)
• Competitive mahjong: Always 2 han

Special Treatment

Variations:

• Yakuman treatment (very rare)
• Can’t use with nagashi mangan
• Not subject to sekinin barai

Conclusion

Double Riichi is a 2-han yaku for declaring riichi on your very first draw. Dealer needs tenpai with 14 dealt tiles, non-dealer needs tenpai on first draw, and no one can have called - making it a very rare situation at about 0.1% occurrence. But if you achieve it, you start at 2 han with potential for high scores. Beginners should learn the basics “first-turn riichi = 2 han,” and if you’re blessed with a tenpai starting hand, actively declare double riichi. It’s 1 han higher than normal riichi with great pressure on opponents - a powerful yaku.