What is Ryanmen?
Ryanmen (両面) refers to a shape with 2 consecutive number tiles waiting for tiles at both ends. For example, holding 34 and waiting for 2 or 5, or holding 67 and waiting for 5 or 8.
“Ryanmen” literally means “both sides,” and it’s the most efficient wait shape that can accept tiles from 2 directions.
Detailed Explanation of Ryanmen
Ryanmen Taatsu
| Shape | Waiting Tiles | Acceptance Count |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | 1・4 | 8 tiles |
| 34 | 2・5 | 8 tiles |
| 45 | 3・6 | 8 tiles |
| 56 | 4・7 | 8 tiles |
| 67 | 5・8 | 8 tiles |
| 78 | 6・9 | 8 tiles |
Characteristics of Ryanmen Wait
-
Maximum Acceptance Count
- 2 types × 4 tiles = 8 tiles
- Highest among single waits
-
Condition for Pinfu
- Ryanmen wait is required
- Most basic menzen yaku
-
Hard to Read
- 2 directional possibilities
- Difficult for defenders to squeeze
Usage Examples
Real Game Situations
Example 1: Hand Building Evaluation
"Ryanmen wait riichi! Looking good"
"4 ryanmen taatsu, great starting hand"Example 2: Wait Explanation
"23456 is 1・4・7 sanmen wait (ryanmen compound)"
"Want to take ryanmen wait at the end"Example 3: Taatsu Comparison
"Want to change this kanchan to ryanmen"
"Ryanmen accepts 4 more tiles than penchan"Comparing Ryanmen with Other Waits
Wait Efficiency Comparison
| Wait Type | Shape | Waiting Tiles | Count | Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanmen Wait | 34 | 2・5 | 8 tiles | ★★★ |
| Kanchan Wait | 35 | 4 | 4 tiles | ★★☆ |
| Penchan Wait | 12 | 3 | 4 tiles | ★★☆ |
| Tanki Wait | 3 | 3 | 3 tiles | ★☆☆ |
| Shanpon | 33・55 | 3・5 | 4 tiles | ★★☆ |
How to Build Ryanmen
Basic Ways to Build Ryanmen
-
Connect Isolated Tiles
3 and 5 → through 35 → 345 (ryanmen complete) -
From Kanchan to Ryanmen
24 → 234 (ryanmen + isolated tile) 35 → 345 (sequence complete) or 356 (double ryanmen) -
From Penchan to Ryanmen
12 → 123 (sequence complete) or 1234 (ryanmen + pair)
Related Terms
- Taatsu: Incomplete set
- Kanchan: Closed wait
- Penchan: Edge wait
- Pinfu: Yaku requiring ryanmen wait
- Tamen Machi: Wait on 3+ types
Common Mistakes and Points to Note
Points Beginners Often Mistake
-
14 or 69 is Not Ryanmen
- 12, 89 are penchan taatsu
- Ryanmen is only 23~78
-
Missing Ryanmen
- 2345 shape has 2 ryanmen
- Understanding compound forms is important
-
Overconfidence in Ryanmen
- Opponents also watch for ryanmen
- Sometimes tanki is better
-
Watch for Furiten
- Even ryanmen can be half-furiten
- Can only ron on the non-furiten half
Tactics Using Ryanmen
Early Game: Build Ryanmen Taatsu
- If you have 3 and 5, be aware of 4
- If you have 2 and 4, be aware of 3
- Prioritize isolated tiles that can become ryanmen
Mid Game: Maintain Ryanmen
- Change kanchan and penchan to ryanmen
- Keep ryanmen taatsu until the end
- Prioritize efficiency over safety (situation-dependent)
Late Game: Build Ryanmen Wait
- Tenpai ideally in ryanmen wait
- Rebuild bad shape waits to ryanmen
- Riichi value increases
Evolution of Ryanmen Wait
Multi-Waits Based on Ryanmen
| Shape | Wait | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2345 | 1・3・6 | Sanmen wait |
| 23456 | 1・4・7 | Sanmen wait |
| 234567 | 2・5・8 | Sanmen wait |
| 2223456 | 1・4・7 | Sanmen wait |
Value of Ryanmen
Why Ryanmen is Important
-
Probabilistic Advantage
- Maximum 8 tile acceptance
- High win rate
-
Compatibility with Yaku
- Required for pinfu
- Also compatible with tanyao
-
Fundamentals of Hand Building
- First step to efficient mahjong
- Pros also prioritize ryanmen
Conclusion
Ryanmen is the most efficient wait shape in mahjong, boasting a maximum acceptance of 8 tiles. Beginners should first focus on creating ryanmen taatsu and learn to convert bad shapes like kanchan and penchan into ryanmen. Ryanmen wait is directly connected to the basic yaku pinfu, so it’s no exaggeration to say that mastering ryanmen means mastering mahjong.