What are Kazehai?
Kazehai (Wind Tiles) are the four honor tiles representing directions: East (Ton), South (Nan), West (Sha), and North (Pei). Unlike dragon tiles which are always yakuhai, wind tiles only become scoring tiles when they match the round wind (bakaze) or seat wind (jikaze).
Understanding wind conditions is key to using these tiles effectively.
Wind Tile Readings
| Tile | Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| East | Ton | Spring, beginning |
| South | Nan | Summer, growth |
| West | Sha | Autumn, harvest |
| North | Pei | Winter, ending |
When Winds Become Yakuhai
Two conditions for yakuhai:
1. Round wind (Bakaze)
- East round → East is yakuhai
- South round → South is yakuhai
2. Seat wind (Jikaze)
- East seat (dealer) → East
- South seat → South
- West seat → West
- North seat → North
*If both conditions met = 2 han (double wind)Wind Categories
| Category | Description | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Double wind | Both round + seat wind | 2 han |
| Yakuhai wind | Round OR seat wind | 1 han |
| Guest wind (Otakaze) | Neither condition | 0 han |
Value by Situation
| Situation | East | South | West | North |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E1, Dealer | ◎(2h) | △ | △ | △ |
| E1, South seat | ○(1h) | ○(1h) | △ | △ |
| S3, West seat | △ | ○(1h) | ○(1h) | △ |
◎=Highest ○=Yakuhai △=Guest wind
Strategic Decisions
When to Call Winds
Call when:
1. It's your yakuhai
- Guaranteed 1 han
- Especially double wind (2 han)
2. Hand is slow
- Need quick yaku
- Defensive benefit
3. High dora count
- Secure the win
- Speed mattersWhen NOT to Call
| Situation | Reason |
|---|---|
| Good hand shape | Aim for higher menzen score |
| Early game | Keep options open |
| Can riichi | Want ura dora chance |
| No other yaku | 1 han too cheap |
Yaku Using Wind Tiles
| Yaku | Requirements | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Yakuhai | 1 yakuhai triplet | 1 han |
| Double wind | Round + seat wind triplet | 2 han |
| Shousuushii | 3 wind triplets + 1 pair | Yakuman |
| Daisuushii | 4 wind triplets | Double yakuman |
| Tsuuiisou | All honor tiles | Yakuman |
Reading Wind Discards
| Pattern | Possible Meaning |
|---|---|
| Many winds early | Number-focused hand |
| Keeping winds | Yakuhai or honitsu aim |
| All winds kept | Big hand warning |
| Only guest winds cut | Wind-based hand |
Common Mistakes
-
Thinking all winds are yakuhai
- Only round/seat winds count
- Check conditions each hand
-
Pronunciation errors
- West = “Sha” not “Nishi”
- North = “Pei” not “Kita”
-
Missing double winds
- E1 dealer = double East (2 han)
- S2 South seat = double South (2 han)
-
Not tracking round progression
- East round → South round
- Know which winds are active
Related Terms
- Jihai: Honor tiles (winds + dragons)
- Sangenpai: Dragon tiles
- Yakuhai: Scoring honor triplets
- Bakaze: Round wind
- Jikaze: Seat wind
Summary
Wind tiles (kazehai) are the East, South, West, and North honor tiles. Unlike dragons, they’re only yakuhai when matching the round wind or seat wind. Learn to identify which winds are valuable each hand - guest winds should be discarded early, while yakuhai winds deserve protection. Mastering wind dynamics is essential for consistent mahjong play.