What is Fu? Basics of Score Calculation Explained for Beginners

What is Fu?

Fu (符) is a numerical representation of the complexity and difficulty of a winning hand in mahjong scoring. Along with han (翻), it’s a crucial element determining points, calculated based on set types, winning method, wait shape, etc.

Fu starts from 20 and is calculated in 10-fu increments (example: 20 fu, 30 fu, 40 fu…). The same han count yields different points with different fu, making fu understanding essential for accurate scoring.

Detailed Explanation of Fu

Components of Fu

Basic Fu Calculation Flow

Fu calculation procedure:
1. Base 20 fu (always added)
2. Add fu for winning method
3. Add fu for each set
4. Check pair fu
5. Check wait shape fu
6. Total and round up ones digit

Example: 22 fu → 30 fu, 38 fu → 40 fu

Detailed Fu by Set Type

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Fu Calculation Discussion

"How many fu is this?"
"30 fu 2 han for 2000 points"
"40 fu so 2600 points"

Example 2: Fu-hane (Fu Increase)

"Kanchan wait so fu-hane"
"32 fu becomes 40 fu for points up"
"Kan aiming for fu-hane"

Example 3: Special Fu

"Pinfu tsumo is fixed 20 fu"
"Chiitoitsu is 25 fu"
"Pinfu ron is 30 fu"

Related Terms

• Han: Unit representing yaku value
• Score Calculation: Calculate points from fu and han
• Futei: Base 20 fu
• Fu-hane: Fu rounding up
• Pinfu: Yaku with no fu
• Chiitoitsu: Fixed 25 fu yaku

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. Forgetting to round up

   • 22 fu → 30 fu (not 20 fu)
   • 32 fu → 40 fu (not 30 fu)
   • Always round to 10 fu increments

2. Not knowing special fu

   • Pinfu tsumo: Fixed 20 fu
   • Chiitoitsu: Fixed 25 fu
   • Open pinfu shape: 30 fu

3. Giving fu to sequences

   • Sequences are always 0 fu
   • Even when called, 0 fu
   • Don’t confuse with triplets

4. Overlooking wait fu

   • Open wait: 0 fu
   • Kanchan, penchan: 2 fu
   • Tanki: 2 fu

Importance of Fu Calculation

Why Fu is Needed

Role of fu:
1. Reflect win difficulty
   - Harder shapes = higher points
   - Easier shapes = lower points

2. Expand strategic range
   - Fu-conscious hand building
   - Maximize points

3. Accurate point awareness
   - Calculate comebacks
   - Defense judgment

Point Differences by Fu

How to Practice Fu Calculation

Memorize Basic Patterns

Common fu patterns:
- Pinfu tsumo: 20 fu
- Pinfu ron: 30 fu
- Yakuhai only: 30 fu (minimum)
- Tanyao only: 30 fu (normal)

Calculation Examples

Example 1: Riichi Only Ron

Base: 20 fu
Closed ron: 10 fu
Total: 30 fu

Example 2: Yakuhai Pon Only

Base: 20 fu
Open triplet (honor): 4 fu
Total: 24 fu → 30 fu

Example 3: Shape with Kan

Base: 20 fu
Tsumo: 2 fu
Closed quad (terminal/honor): 32 fu
Total: 54 fu → 60 fu

Fu-Conscious Play

Strategies to Increase Fu

Strategies to Decrease Fu

When aiming for low fu:
- Sequence-focused building
- Make open waits
- Build with simples
- Aim for pinfu

Simplifying Fu Calculation

Practical Approaches

1. Memorize basic patterns

   • Learn common shapes
   • Memorization over calculation
   • Acquired through experience

2. Use quick reference

   • Fu and han combinations
   • Use smartphone apps
   • Keep score table handy

3. Estimate roughly

   • Don’t need exact accuracy
   • Grasp approximate points
   • Verify details later

Fu Calculation in Digital Era

Modern approaches:
- Auto-tables calculate
- Check with apps
- Online is automatic
- Knowledge still needed

Fu Trivia

Historical Background

Regional Differences

Local rules:
- Kansai: Open pinfu 30 fu
- Kanto: Some 20 fu
- Chinese: No fu
- American: Unique calculation

Conclusion

Fu is an important element in mahjong scoring that quantifies winning hand complexity. Based on 20 fu, it’s added for set types, winning method, wait shape, etc., and finally rounded up to 10 fu increments.

Beginners should start by memorizing basic patterns like “base 20 fu,” “pinfu tsumo 20 fu,” “chiitoitsu 25 fu,” etc. Don’t worry about complex calculations initially—grasping rough fu is sufficient at first. Understanding fu becomes the foundation of score calculation and the first step toward strategic mahjong.