What is Oya?
Oya (Dealer) is the player who leads the current round in mahjong. Also called “East” (Ton-cha), the dealer receives 1.5x points when winning, but also pays 1.5x when dealing into others’ hands. This high-risk, high-reward position rotates around the table.
The dealer starts with 14 tiles (including first draw) while non-dealers (ko) start with 13.
Dealer Privileges
| Privilege | Description | Benefit |
|---|
| 1.5x points | Wins are worth 50% more | High scoring potential |
| Tsumo from all | All three pay on tsumo | Efficient point collection |
| Renchan | Win to keep dealership | Multiple big hands |
| First turn | Start with 14 tiles | Small tempo advantage |
Dealer Responsibilities
| Responsibility | Description | Risk |
|---|
| 1.5x payment | Deal-ins cost more | Large point loss |
| Tsumo payments | Pay double vs non-dealers | Higher exposure |
| Rotation pressure | Must perform or pass | Strategic burden |
Point Comparison
| Hand Value | Non-Dealer | Dealer | Ratio |
|---|
| 1 han 30 fu | 1,000 | 1,500 | 1.5x |
| 2 han 30 fu | 2,000 | 2,900 | ~1.5x |
| 3 han 30 fu | 3,900 | 5,800 | ~1.5x |
| Mangan | 8,000 | 12,000 | 1.5x |
Tsumo Payment Structure
When non-dealer tsumo:
- Dealer pays: 2x the base
- Other non-dealers: 1x base
When dealer tsumo:
- All three pay: Same amount (all)
Renchan (Dealer Continuance)
Conditions for renchan:
1. Dealer wins the hand
- Tsumo or ron
- Hand continues as "1-honba"
2. Draw with dealer tenpai
- Depends on ruleset
- Some require dealer win
Honba bonus:
- Each honba adds 300 points
- 1-honba = +300, 2-honba = +600, etc.
Dealer Strategy
Basic Approach
| Situation | Recommended | Reason |
|---|
| Early game | Aggressive | Maximize 1.5x |
| With lead | Balanced | Avoid dealer hit |
| Behind | Push hard | Catch-up opportunity |
| Last round | Depends | Consider standings |
Key Principles
1. Balance aggression and caution
- Don't overcommit
- Don't miss opportunities
2. Aim for renchan
- Even cheap wins matter
- Continuity over value
3. Defense matters
- Dealer hit hurts badly
- Watch for big hands
Common Dealer Terms
- Oya kaburi: Dealer deals into a hand
- Oya-man: Dealer mangan (12,000)
- Oya-bai: Dealer haneman (18,000)
- Oya-ppane: Dealer yakuman
- Oya nagare: Dealer rotation (passing)
Summary
The dealer (oya) is a high-risk, high-reward position in mahjong with 1.5x scoring for wins and losses alike. Learn to balance aggression with caution, aiming for renchan while avoiding costly deal-ins. Understanding dealer dynamics is fundamental to mahjong strategy.