What is Minkou?
Minkou (open triplet) is a triplet (3 identical tiles) formed by calling pon on another player’s discard. “Min” means bright/exposed, referring to a triplet visible to all players.
It contrasts with ankou (concealed triplet) and affects fu calculation and yaku eligibility.
Minkou vs Ankou
| Aspect | Minkou | Ankou |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Via pon | Self-drawn 3 tiles |
| Visibility | Exposed | Concealed |
| Menzen status | Breaks | Keeps |
| Fu value | Lower | Higher (2x) |
| Yaku impact | Some yaku invalid | All yaku possible |
Display Method
Pon from left: □■□ (left tile sideways)
Pon from across: □■□ (middle sideways)
Pon from right: □□■ (right tile sideways)
■ = sideways tile (shows who discarded)Fu Calculation
| Triplet Type | Simples (2-8) | Terminals/Honors |
|---|---|---|
| Minkou | 2 fu | 4 fu |
| Ankou | 4 fu | 8 fu |
| Minkan | 8 fu | 16 fu |
| Ankan | 16 fu | 32 fu |
Pros and Cons
Advantages
-
Fast formation
- Uses opponent’s tile
- Only need 2 in hand
-
Certainty
- Instant completion
- No waiting
-
Yaku confirmation
- Yakuhai = 1 han guaranteed
- Dora = score boost
Disadvantages
-
Breaks menzen
- No riichi
- Closed yaku lost
-
Low fu
- Half of ankou
- Lower scoring
-
Hand exposed
- Collection revealed
- Opponents can read
Yaku Relationships
Works with Minkou
| Yaku | Condition | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Yakuhai | Honor triplet | Pon confirms |
| Toitoi | All triplets | Minkou OK |
| Sanshoku Doukou | 3 suits same number | Minkou OK |
| Honroutou | Terminals/honors only | Minkou OK |
Doesn’t Work with Minkou
- Pinfu: No triplets allowed
- Sanankou: Ankou only
- Suuankou: Ankou only
- Menzen Tsumo: Closed only
Strategic Use
When to Pon
-
Yakuhai pairs
- Top priority
- Guarantees yaku
-
Dora pairs
- Score boost
- Pon actively
-
Need quick win
- Dealer renchan
- Score situation
When Not to Pon
- Sanankou possible
- Want riichi
- Defense-heavy situation
- High score needed
Common Mistakes
-
Ron vs Pon confusion
- Ron completion = ankou
- Only pon = minkou
-
Kakan handling
- Kakan after pon = minkan
- Minkou becomes minkan
-
Yaku restrictions
- Pinfu invalid with minkou
- Sanankou/Suuankou exclude
-
Daiminkan difference
- 3 tiles used = minkou
- 4 tiles used = minkan
Related Terms
- Ankou: Concealed triplet
- Koutsu: Triplet (3 same tiles)
- Pon: Calling for triplet
- Fuuro: Calling (formal term)
- Sanankou: Three concealed triplets
Summary
Minkou is a triplet formed by calling pon - a simple but strategically important concept. While fast and reliable, it breaks menzen and has lower fu than ankou. Beginners should learn “pon = minkou” and “self-drawn = ankou,” using each appropriately. Yakuhai minkou is a basic tactic easy for beginners.