What is Genbutsu? Meaning, Absolute Safety, and Usage Explained for Beginners

What is Genbutsu (Actual Tiles)?

Genbutsu (現物) refers to tiles identical to those discarded by an opponent in mahjong. Tiles identical to those discarded by a riichi player are 100% safe against that player.

The name “genbutsu” means “tiles actually discarded,” and is the most basic and important concept in mahjong defense.

Detailed Explanation of Genbutsu

Why is Genbutsu Absolutely Safe?

Due to mahjong’s “furiten” rule:

1. Cannot ron on tiles you discarded
2. Cannot change wait after riichi
3. Therefore genbutsu is 100% safe

Genbutsu Examples

Player A riichi, discards: :1m::2m::3m::4m::5m::6m: :4p::5p: :6s::7s::8s: :1z::2z::3z:

Genbutsu in this case:
- :1m:-:6m:, :4p::5p:, :6s::7s::8s:, :1z::2z::3z:
- These tiles absolutely won't deal in to Player A

Types of Genbutsu

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Defense Basics

"Against riichi, discard genbutsu first"
"No genbutsu left... dangerous"

Example 2: Confirming Genbutsu

":5s: is genbutsu, so safe"
"This :1z: is dealer's genbutsu"

Example 3: Running Out of Genbutsu

"Genbutsu ran out, survive with suji next"
"Only 2 genbutsu left..."

Importance of Genbutsu

Defense Priority

1. Genbutsu ← Top priority
2. Honors (especially guest winds)
3. Suji
4. Kabe
5. Other readings

Danger Without Genbutsu

• Discarding non-genbutsu = Risk of dealing in
• Especially beware ryanmen waits
• Wrong reading = instant deal in

Related Terms

• Betaori: Complete fold defense
• Suji: Reading ryanmen waits
• Anzenhai: General safe tiles
• Furiten: Cannot ron state
• Oshihiki: Offense-defense judgment

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. Pre-riichi discards

   • Pre-riichi tiles are not genbutsu
   • Only post-riichi discards are 100% safe

2. Other player genbutsu

   • Player A riichi, Player B genbutsu unrelated
   • Genbutsu differs per player

3. Overconfidence in dama

   • No genbutsu for dama (no riichi)
   • Cannot judge from discards alone

4. Same-turn genbutsu

   • Same turn discards also genbutsu
   • Easy to overlook

Defense Tactics Using Genbutsu

Betaori Basics

1. Discard genbutsu

   • Safest choice
   • Even if breaking hand

2. Preserve genbutsu

   • Hold genbutsu early
   • Prepare for late game

3. When no genbutsu

   • Honors → Suji → Others
   • Worst case: gamble

How to Count Genbutsu

Check riichi player's discards
→ Check if you have same tiles
→ Count genbutsu number
→ Consider remaining turns

Comparing Genbutsu with Other Safe Tiles

Genbutsu Applications

Genbutsu Wait

Against opponent riichi
Tenpai on genbutsu tanki
→ Can aim for win while defending

Genbutsu Induction

Discard dangerous tile early
→ Opponent may wait on that tile
→ Can use as genbutsu later

Genbutsu Statistics

Genbutsu Possession Rate

• Average 3-4 genbutsu held
• Late game often runs out of genbutsu
• Deal-in rate without genbutsu: About 30%

Conclusion

Genbutsu are tiles identical to opponent discards, 100% safe against that opponent. It’s the most basic and important concept in mahjong defense, and beginners should thoroughly master “discard genbutsu first when riichi comes.” Correctly understanding and using genbutsu can greatly reduce deal-ins, ultimately improving performance.