What is Houtei? Under the River Ron Win Explained for Beginners

What is Houtei Raoyui?

Houtei Raoyui (河底撈魚), often shortened to “houtei,” is a luck-based 1-han yaku in mahjong that completes when you win by ron on the last discard (houtei tile). The name means “scooping a fish from the bottom of the river” - representing dramatic reversals at the very end of a hand.

It’s the counterpart to haitei moyue (under the sea), and shows that even without a last tsumo, you still have a final chance - embodying the excitement of mahjong.

Detailed Explanation of Houtei Raoyui

Conditions for Completion

What is the Houtei Tile?

Houtei tile (河底牌) is the last discarded tile of a hand:

1. The person who drew the last tile (haitei) from the wall
2. Discards that tile
3. That discarded tile is the houtei tile
4. Ron on this tile = houtei raoyui

Difference from Haitei Moyue

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Last Chance

"It's houtei! I can ron on this!"
"Houtei raoyui at the very end!"

Example 2: Dramatic Development

"Can't believe the winning tile came out on houtei"
"Reversal with houtei raoyui!"

Example 3: Houtei Mind Games

"It's houtei so I'll cut a safe tile"
"No, let's gamble!"

Characteristics of Houtei

When It Occurs

1. Wall runs out except dead wall

   • Usually around turn 17
   • Earlier if kan occurred

2. Person who drew haitei discards

   • The one who drew the last tile
   • That discard becomes houtei

3. Everyone has a chance

   • Anyone can ron
   • If in tenpai

Probability and Expected Value

Related Terms

• Haitei Moyue: Win by tsumo on last tile
• Houtei: The last discard situation
• Haitei: The last tile from wall
• Wanpai: The 14 remaining tiles
• Ryuukyoku: Draw when no one wins

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. Tsumo Doesn’t Count

   • Houtei raoyui is ron only
   • Tsumo is haitei moyue

2. Definition of Last Discard

   • Discard by person who drew haitei
   • Previous discards don’t count

3. Kan Effects

   • Drawing replacement tile after kan
   • Houtei may come earlier

4. Combining Yaku

   • Can combine with other yaku
   • Even no-yaku + houtei = 1 han

Strategy at Houtei

Discarding Side

1. Safety priority

   • Cut genbutsu
   • Avoid dealing in

2. Aim for formal tenpai

   • Secure tenpai payment
   • Don’t overdo it

3. Use your reads

   • Estimate opponent’s wait
   • Avoid dangerous tiles

Waiting Side

1. Set up with wide waits

   • Multi-wait is advantageous
   • Increase probability

2. Riichi decision

   • Riichi before houtei
   • Apply pressure

3. Never give up

   • Everyone has a chance at houtei
   • Stay focused

Appeal of Houtei Raoyui

Dramatic Developments

Psychological Battle

• Discarding side pressure: Heavy responsibility
• Waiting side anticipation: Last chance
• Spectator excitement: Dramatic ending

Practical Considerations

Houtei-Conscious Play

1. Track remaining tiles

   • Count turns left
   • Consider kan effects

2. Prepare before houtei

   • Aim for tenpai
   • Secure safe tiles

3. Stay calm

   • Don’t panic
   • Stick to basics

Common Patterns

Success examples:

• Riichi player deals in on houtei
• “Safe” tile turns out to be winning tile
• Multi-wait successfully catches it

Failure examples:

• Get greedy with dangerous tile
• Fail to reach tenpai
• Misread and deal in

Conclusion

Houtei Raoyui teaches us never to give up until the very end in mahjong. While occurrence probability is low, it can create dramatic developments and is one of mahjong’s highlights. Beginners should remember the condition “ron on last discard,” and especially focus when play reaches houtei. Aim for the dramatic reversal victory, scooping that fish from the river bottom!