What is Kazoe Yakuman? 13+ Han Counted Yakuman Explained for Beginners

What is Kazoe Yakuman?

Kazoe Yakuman (数え役満) is a yakuman achieved by combining regular yaku to reach 13 or more han. Unlike fixed yakuman like Suuankou or Kokushi Musou, it’s a “calculated yakuman” achieved by accumulating multiple yaku.

As the name “kazoe” (count) suggests, when you count the han and reach 13, you receive the same points as yakuman. While 11-12 han is sanbaiman, 13+ han generally becomes yakuman equivalent.

Detailed Explanation of Kazoe Yakuman

Requirements

Conditions for kazoe yakuman:

Han Count and Points Relationship

Point progression:

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Achievement Declaration

"13 han, kazoe yakuman!"
"Yakuman achieved! It's kazoe"

Example 2: Calculation Expression

"2 more han for kazoe yakuman"
"If dora stacks, it's 13 han"

Example 3: Tactical Discussion

"Going for kazoe yakuman with riichi"
"Aiming for kazoe rather than sanbaiman"

Combinations Likely to Reach Kazoe Yakuman

Representative Patterns

High-han yaku combinations:

Practical Kazoe Yakuman

Buildable patterns:

1. Chinitsu Base

   Chinitsu (6 han)
   + Riichi (1 han)
   + Ippatsu (1 han)
   + Tsumo (1 han)
   + Dora 4 (4 han)
   = 13 han

2. Yakuhai Toitoi

   Toitoi (2 han)
   + Sanankou (2 han)
   + Yakuhai × 3 (3 han)
   + Honitsu (2 han)
   + Dora 4 (4 han)
   = 13 han

3. Riichi Ippatsu Type

   Riichi (1 han)
   + Ippatsu (1 han)
   + Tsumo (1 han)
   + Pinfu (1 han)
   + Junchan (3 han)
   + Sanshoku (2 han)
   + Dora 4 (4 han)
   = 13 han

Related Terms

• Sanbaiman: 11-12 han tier
• Yakuman: Highest scoring hands
• Dora: 1 han per tile
• Chinitsu: 6 han high-scoring yaku
• Double Yakuman: 2× yakuman

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. Not Checking Rules

   • Some rules don’t adopt kazoe yakuman
   • May cap at sanbaiman
   • Confirm beforehand

2. Han Calculation Errors

   • Forgetting to count dora
   • Missing yaku
   • Not reaching 13 han

3. Yaku Overlap

   • Some yaku don’t combine
   • Kuisagari calculation
   • Menzen-only yaku check

4. 14+ Han Treatment

   • Same points as 13 han
   • Doesn’t become double yakuman
   • Generally capped

Kazoe Yakuman Tactics

Basic Strategy

Favorable situations:

1. Many dora

   • Holding 3+ dora
   • Possible kandora
   • Quick han increase

2. High-han yaku potential

   • Chinitsu hand
   • Toitoi + Sanankou
   • Multiple yakuhai

3. Combinable shape

   • Pinfu-based hand
   • Sanshoku visible
   • Iipeikou/Ryanpeikou

Practical Judgment

Path to kazoe yakuman:

Kazoe Yakuman Examples

Common Achievement Examples

Example 1: Chinitsu Type

Hand: 11223344556677p
Yaku: Chinitsu(6) + Ryanpeikou(3) + Tsumo(1)
Dora: 3p × 3 (3 han)
Total: 13 han (Kazoe Yakuman)

Example 2: Toitoi Type

Hand: East-East-East South-South-South West-West-West 111m Green-Green
Yaku: Honitsu(2) + Toitoi(2) + Sanankou(2) + Yakuhai×4(4) + Dora 3(3)
Total: 13 han (Kazoe Yakuman)

Example 3: Riichi Type

Hand: 123456789m 12344s
Yaku: Riichi(1) + Ippatsu(1) + Tsumo(1) + Pinfu(1) + Ikkitsuukan(2) + Junchan(3) + Dora 4(4)
Total: 13 han (Kazoe Yakuman)

Kazoe Yakuman Local Rules

Regional Variations

Rule variations:

Online Mahjong Treatment

Major platforms:

• Tenhou: Kazoe yakuman yes
• Mahjong Soul: Kazoe yakuman yes
• MJ: Kazoe yakuman yes
• Janryumon: Selectable

Value of Kazoe Yakuman

Comparison with Regular Yakuman

Achievement difficulty:

Appeal of Kazoe Yakuman

Why aim for it:

1. Strategic

   • Can be planned
   • Think about yaku combinations
   • Essence of intellectual play

2. Realistic

   • Easier to aim than regular yakuman
   • Possible depending on dora
   • Effort pays off

3. Achievement

   • Joy of counting to 13 han
   • Result matches calculation
   • Proof of skill

Conclusion

Kazoe Yakuman is a yakuman achieved when regular yaku combine to reach 13+ han. Unlike fixed yakuman, it can be planned strategically, using chinitsu and dora to achieve it. With an occurrence rate of about 0.1%, slightly higher than regular yakuman, it embodies the fascinating calculation and strategy of mahjong. Beginners should start by accurately learning each yaku’s han count and practice playing with high-han yaku in mind. Kazoe yakuman is the crystallization of deep calculation and strategy in mahjong.