Houteihai (Last Discard Tile) - The Final Tile of the Round

What is Houteihai?

Houteihai is the last discard tile in a mahjong round - discarded by whoever drew the haiteihai (final wall tile). Winning by ron on this tile awards the 1-han yaku “Houtei Raoyui.” If no one wins, the round ends in a draw.

“Houtei” means the bottom of the river (discard area) - the final tile to flow into the river. It pairs with haiteihai as a key end-game concept.

How Houteihai Occurs

1. Someone draws haiteihai (last wall tile)
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2. They don't tsumo win
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3. They discard a tile
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4. That discard is houteihai

Actions on Houteihai

Houtei Raoyui

Conditions

Comparison with Haitei

Strategic Considerations

For the Discarder

1. Choose safe tiles

   • Deal-in risk
   • It’s the last tile

2. Watch for Houtei Raoyui

   • Check who’s tenpai
   • Avoid dangerous tiles

3. Accept going to draw

   • Don’t force it
   • Prepare for next round

For Those Waiting

Situation: You're tenpai
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Someone else draws haitei
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Hope for houteihai
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If it's your winning tile = Houtei Raoyui

Furiten and Houtei

Safe Tile Priority

Safest: Genbutsu (opponent's discards)
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Safe: Live honor tiles
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Somewhat safe: Terminals (1/9)
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Normal: Edge tiles (2/8)
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Dangerous: Middle tiles (3-7)

Probability and Psychology

Statistics

Psychological Pressure

1. Discarder’s tension

   • Final responsibility
   • Fear of deal-in

2. Waiter’s expectation

   • Last chance
   • All or nothing

3. Spectator attention

   • Dramatic moment
   • Breathless tension

Dramatic Houtei

Memorable Moments

1. High-value houtei

   • Chinitsu + Houtei
   • Great comeback

2. Pro houtei read

   • Perfect wait
   • As calculated

3. Beginner houtei

   • Unexpected hit
   • Exciting moment

Common Regrets

• Had safe tiles but didn’t use
• Got greedy and dealt in
• Didn’t notice furiten
• Didn’t realize it was houtei

Common Mistakes

1. Trying to call

   • Can’t pon/chi on houtei
   • No next turn

2. Confusing with haitei

   • Haitei: last draw
   • Houtei: last discard

3. Forgetting furiten

   • Normal rules apply
   • Can’t ron if furiten

4. Ippatsu confusion

   • No ippatsu on houtei
   • No next turn exists

Proper Etiquette

1. Announce houtei

   • “Houtei desu” (This is houtei)
   • Clear communication

2. Careful discard

   • Think carefully
   • No regrets

3. Be prompt

   • Don’t overthink
   • Maintain rhythm

4. Accept results

   • Even if dealt in
   • Move to next round

Local Rules

Related Terms

• Haiteihai: Last draw tile
• Haitei Raoyue: Tsumo on haitei
• Ryuukyoku: Draw game
• Furiten: Can’t ron state
• Ippatsu: Not valid on houtei

Summary

Houteihai is the last discard of the round - after someone draws haitei and doesn’t tsumo. Winning by ron awards Houtei Raoyui (1 han). You can’t call on houteihai - only ron or let it pass for ryuukyoku. Beginners should remember “the last discard is special” - choose safe tiles when discarding, and use it as your last chance when waiting. Houteihai is the dramatic final tile of each round.