What is Kabe? Meaning, Reading Methods, and Usage Explained for Beginners

What is Kabe (Wall)?

Kabe (壁) refers to a state where all 4 tiles of a certain type are visible in mahjong, or the defensive theory utilizing this. For example, if all four are visible, ryanmen waits like or become physically impossible, making or safer.

The name “kabe” (wall) expresses a wall-like state where sequences using that tile cannot be made.

Detailed Explanation of Kabe

Kabe Principle

When all four :3m: are visible:
- :1m::2m: ryanmen wait (:3m: wait) → Impossible
- :3m::4m: ryanmen wait (:2m::5m: wait) → Impossible
- :2m::3m: ryanmen wait (:1m::4m: wait) → Impossible

Conclusion: :1m::2m::4m::5m: safety increases

Safe Tiles from Kabe

Kabe Strength

1. Complete wall (4 visible)

   • 100% that tile won’t appear
   • Nearby tiles also safer

2. 3-tile wall

   • Functions almost as wall
   • Remaining 1 tile unlikely

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Confirming Kabe

"All four :3s: visible, so :1s::2s: is safe from wall"
":5m: is a wall, :6m: should be okay to discard"

Example 2: Using in Defense

"Using wall, this :4p: is relatively safe"
"No wall or suji... this is dangerous"

Example 3: Advanced Kabe Reading

"Dora 4 visible is wall, no dora wait"
"Late game has more walls, easier to read"

Types and Effects of Kabe

One Chance

3 tiles of a certain type visible
→ 1 remaining (one chance)
→ Wait on that tile unlikely

No Chance

4 tiles of a certain type visible
→ 0 remaining (no chance)
→ Wait on that tile impossible

Effect by Wall Position

Related Terms

• Genbutsu: 100% safe tiles
• Suji: Reading ryanmen waits
• One Chance: 3 visible state
• No Chance: 4 visible state
• Anzenhai: General safe tiles

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. Oversight

   • Check discards, calls, dora indicators
   • Include hand tiles in count

2. Overreliance on kabe

   • Less effective against kanchan
   • Ineffective against tanki

3. Handling 3-tile walls

   • Not 100% safe
   • Judge by situation

4. Terminal walls

   • 1・9 walls have limited effect
   • Central walls more valuable

Defense Tactics Using Kabe

How to Count Kabe

1. Check discards (discarded tiles)
2. Check calls (pon, chi, kan)
3. Check dora indicators
4. Check your hand
5. Calculate total

Combined Kabe + Suji Reading

:4m: discarded (suji)
and :3m: 4 visible (kabe)
→ :1m: has higher safety

Waits Where Kabe Doesn’t Work

Kabe Theory Limitations

Kabe Applications

Creating Kabe Tactics

Collect and discard specific tile early
→ Creates wall for opponents
→ Related tiles appear more easily

Using Kabe for Waits

When :3m: 4 visible
→ :4m: tanki wait appears easily
→ Near wall is relatively safe

Kabe Statistics

Late Game Kabe Occurrence

• Turn 17: Average 2-3 types of walls
• 4 visible probability per tile: About 10%
• Safety increase from wall: About 20-30%

Conclusion

Kabe is a defensive theory where 4 (or 3) tiles of a type being visible negates ryanmen waits using that tile, increasing nearby tile safety. It’s an important defensive technique alongside genbutsu and suji, and using them together enables more accurate defense. Beginners should practice accurately counting 4 visible tiles and finding safe tiles from walls.