What is Oorasu?
Oorasu (All Last) is the final hand of a hanchan, typically South 4. Short for “All Last,” this hand determines final rankings, creating unique strategic situations different from normal play.
With placement bonuses at stake, players must calculate point differences while deciding to attack, defend, or even intentionally deal in.
Oorasu Characteristics
| Aspect | Normal Hands | Oorasu |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Gain points | Improve/protect rank |
| Risk judgment | Standard | Rank-conscious |
| Tactics | Standard | Special tactics common |
| Mental state | Calm | Tense, focused |
Placement Bonuses (Typical)
| Place | Bonus | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | +30,000 | Top prize |
| 2nd | +10,000 | 2nd prize |
| 3rd | -10,000 | 3rd penalty |
| 4th | -30,000 | Last penalty |
Point Calculations
Required Points for Rank Change
Basic formula:
Required = Point gap + 1,000 (to ensure overtaking)
Example: 2nd has 28,000, 3rd has 26,000
→ 3rd needs 2,001+ direct hit or 3,000+ tsumoCommon Scenarios
| Gap | Direct Hit | Tsumo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1,500 | 2,000 | 1,000 all | Minimum |
| 3,900 | 5,200 | 2,000 all | Mangan direct |
| 7,700 | 7,700 | 2,600 all | Haneman needed |
| 11,600 | 12,000 | 4,000 all | Baiman needed |
Strategy by Position
| Position | Basic Strategy | Caution |
|---|---|---|
| Leader | Protect lead | Don’t overextend |
| 2nd | Balanced | Watch both ways |
| 3rd | Aggressive attack | Avoid last place |
| Last | All-out attack | Go for comeback |
Dealer Considerations
South 4 dealer:
-
Renchan possible
- Win = continue
- Comeback chance
-
Heavy responsibility
- Deal-in = bad ending
- Caution needed
-
Opponent awareness
- Others want to end
- Even cheap wins stop you
West Entry (Extension)
Conditions
| Condition | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All under 30,000 | Continue | Most common |
| Leader under 30,000 | Continue | Some rules |
| Time limit | Cut off | Tournaments |
Extension Mindset
- Further comeback chances
- Fighting fatigue
- Maintain concentration
- Maximum West 4
Tie-Breaking
When final scores are tied:
1. Closer to starting dealer ranks higher
2. Counter-clockwise order
Example: East→South→West→North priorityCommon Mistakes
-
Only looking at points
- Forgetting placement bonuses
- Misjudging real value
-
Reckless play
- Attacking when should defend
- Risk/reward miscalculation
-
Giving up too early
- Missing comeback chances
- Not persisting to end
-
Forgetting dealer
- No next hand exists
- Renchan possibilities
Related Terms
- Shaanyuu: West entry extension
- Juni-ten: Placement bonuses
- Sashikomi: Intentional deal-in
- Tenpai-ryou: Draw payments
Summary
Oorasu is the final hand (typically South 4) where rankings are decided. You must accurately calculate point differences while judging whether to improve or protect your position. Beginners should remember “final hand = think about rankings,” avoid reckless play while not giving up on possibilities. Oorasu encapsulates mahjong’s strategic depth in one dramatic hand.