What is Kuisagari?
Kuisagari is a rule where certain yaku lose 1 han when you call tiles (pon, chi, or open kan). Yaku worth 2+ han when concealed drop by 1 han when opened. Understanding this helps you decide whether calling is worth it.
Yaku with Kuisagari
| Yaku | Concealed | Open | Reduction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanshoku Doujun | 2 han | 1 han | -1 |
| Ittsu | 2 han | 1 han | -1 |
| Chanta | 2 han | 1 han | -1 |
| Junchan | 3 han | 2 han | -1 |
| Honitsu | 3 han | 2 han | -1 |
| Chinitsu | 6 han | 5 han | -1 |
Yaku WITHOUT Kuisagari
These yaku keep full value when open:
| Yaku | Han | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Yakuhai | 1 | Designed for calling |
| Tanyao | 1 | With kuitan rule |
| Toitoi | 2 | Built for calling |
| Sanankou | 2 | Based on concealed sets |
| Sankantsu | 2 | Requires kans |
| Shousangen | 2 | Yakuhai combination |
Why Kuisagari Exists
- Concealed hands are harder to complete
- Calling reveals your hand
- Han difference balances difficulty
Point Calculation Examples
Case 1: Sanshoku
Concealed: Sanshoku(2) + Riichi(1) + Dora(1) = 4 han
Open: Sanshoku(1) + Dora(1) = 2 han
→ 2 han difference!Case 2: Honitsu
Concealed: Honitsu(3) + Yakuhai(1) = 4 han
Open: Honitsu(2) + Yakuhai(1) = 3 han
→ 1 han differenceEasy Memory Trick
Sequence-based yaku have kuisagari:
- Sanshoku Doujun
- Ittsu
- Chanta
- Junchan
Flush hands have kuisagari:
- Honitsu
- Chinitsu
Triplet-based yaku DON’T:
- Toitoi
- Sanankou
- Yakuhai
Strategic Decisions
When to Call (Accept Kuisagari)
| Situation | Reason |
|---|---|
| Cheap hand anyway | Not much to lose |
| Dealer position | Continuations matter |
| Late game | Speed over value |
| Big lead | Just need to win |
When to Stay Concealed
- Can still riichi
- Many dora in hand
- Want ippatsu/ura dora
- Early in the round
Point Comparison Table
| Yaku | Concealed | Open | Point Diff (non-dealer) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanshoku only | 2 han | 1 han | 2600→1000 |
| Sanshoku + Dora | 3 han | 2 han | 3900→2600 |
| Honitsu + Yakuhai | 4 han | 3 han | Mangan→3900 |
| Chinitsu | 6 han | 5 han | Haneman→Mangan |
Open Hands That Still Make Mangan
Honitsu(2) + Toitoi(2) + Yakuhai(1) = 5 han
Chinitsu(5) = 5 han
Sanshoku(1) + Toitoi(2) + Dora 2 = 5 han
Ittsu(1) + Tanyao(1) + Dora 3 = 5 hanRelated Terms
Summary
Kuisagari reduces certain yaku by 1 han when you call tiles. The affected yaku are: Sanshoku, Ittsu, Chanta, Junchan, Honitsu, and Chinitsu - mostly sequence-based and flush hands.
Deciding to call involves weighing kuisagari’s point loss against improved winning chances. Sometimes “1 han less but actually winning” beats “full value but never completing.” Learn the 6 kuisagari yaku and make situation-appropriate decisions for better mahjong.