What is Menzen Tsumo? Conditions and Strategy Explained for Beginners

What is Menzen Tsumo?

Menzen Tsumo (門前清自摸和, Menzenchintsumohou) is a basic yaku in mahjong worth 1 han that completes when you win by self-draw while in menzen (closed hand) state. Commonly called “menzen tsumo” or simply “tsumo,” it’s one of the most basic and frequently occurring yaku.

The name means “winning by self-draw in a pure closed-hand state” - embodying the mahjong fundamental of “winning by your own power.”

Detailed Explanation of Menzen Tsumo

Conditions for Completion

Definition of Menzen

Name Variations

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Declaring Win

"Tsumo!"
"Menzen tsumo desu"
"Tsumo, 1000/2000"

Example 2: Strategic Judgment

"If I call, I lose tsumo, so I'll wait"
"Going for menzen tsumo"

Example 3: Combined Yaku Explanation

"Riichi, tsumo, dora 1 for mangan"
"Mentanpintsumo!"

Value of Menzen Tsumo

Why It’s Worth 1 Han

1. Proof of Self-Reliance

   • Won without depending on others
   • Proof of skill

2. Lower Probability

   • Fewer opportunities than ron
   • Drawing the tile you need

3. Maintaining Menzen

   • Resisted temptation to call
   • Result of strategic judgment

Effect on Scoring

Related Terms

• Menzen: Closed hand state
• Tsumo: Drawing a tile from the wall
• Ron: Winning on opponent’s discard
• Naki: General term for calls
• Pinfu: Yaku with good tsumo compatibility

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. Tsumo After Calling

   • Calling breaks menzen
   • No yaku even if you tsumo

2. Counting the Yaku

   • “Tsumo” alone is 1 han
   • Count separately from other yaku

3. Ankan Treatment

   • Ankan maintains menzen
   • Menzen tsumo still possible

4. Special Forms

   • Chiitoitsu tsumo is +1 han
   • Kokushi musou tsumo is +1 han

Tactical Points

When to Aim for Menzen Tsumo

1. Good starting hand

   • Many taatsu
   • Can proceed in menzen

2. Combined with riichi

   • Riichi + tsumo = 2 han
   • Ippatsu and uradora expected too

3. Playing defensively

   • Calling makes hand readable
   • Menzen keeps options open

Choosing Between Calling

Commonly Combined Yaku

Basic Combinations

Yaku Compatible with Tsumo

• Riichi: Always menzen, great compatibility ◎
• Pinfu: Menzen-only yaku, great compatibility ◎
• Ippatsu: Combined with tsumo after riichi
• Iipeikou: Menzen-only yaku

Practical Application

Tips to Increase Tsumo Probability

1. Wait with good shapes

   • Ryanmen recommended
   • Multi-wait even better

2. Early tenpai

   • More tsumo turns
   • Higher probability

3. Wall reading

   • Target tiles not in discards
   • Value fresh tiles

Decision Points

When to maintain menzen:

• Hand is well-formed
• Need high score
• Want defensive options too

When calling is OK:

• Dealer wanting renchan
• Need quick win
• Have clear yaku

Conclusion

Menzen Tsumo is the most fundamental yaku in mahjong. With the simple condition of “tsumo without calling,” it requires both judgment to maintain menzen and luck to draw winning tiles. Beginners should first remember “calling means no yaku even if you tsumo,” and learn to judge whether to maintain menzen or call depending on the situation. Menzen tsumo often combines with other yaku and is essential for learning basic mahjong strategy.