What is Ryanpeikou?
Ryanpeikou (Double Iipeikou) is a 3 han yaku where you have two sets of identical sequence pairs - essentially two iiipekou in one hand. It requires a closed hand and is considered one of the more beautiful hand patterns.
The name is often shortened to “ryanpei” in casual play.
Ryanpeikou Requirements
| Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
| 2 identical pairs × 2 | Like 223344m and 556677p |
| Closed only | No pon or chi allowed |
| Different types OK | Same numbers in different suits work |
Ryanpeikou Examples
Valid Ryanpeikou:
223344m 556677p 99s
(iipeikou)(iipeikou)(pair)
112233m 445566s WW
(iipeikou)(iipeikou)(pair)Not Ryanpeikou:
| Pattern | Reason |
|---|---|
| 223344m 234p 567s | Only one iipeikou |
| 223344m 223344p | Valid (different suits) |
| 111222333444m 99s | Complex interpretation |
Ryanpeikou vs Chiitoitsu
Shape Comparison
| Aspect | Ryanpeikou | Chiitoitsu |
|---|---|---|
| Shape | 1122334455667 | 1122334455667 |
| Interpretation | Sequences × 2 + pair | Pairs × 7 |
| Yaku | Ryanpeikou | Chiitoitsu |
| Value | 3 han | 2 han |
| Priority | Higher value wins | - |
Scoring Rule
- Same shape, higher value wins
- Ryanpeikou (3 han) > Chiitoitsu (2 han)
- Always counted as Ryanpeikou
Compatible Yaku
| Yaku | Combined | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tanyao | 4 han | Very common |
| Pinfu | 4 han | Sequence synergy |
| Riichi | 4 han | Closed requirement |
| Chinitsu | 9 han | Very high score |
Incompatible Yaku
- Iipeikou: Included in Ryanpeikou
- Chiitoitsu: Ryanpeikou takes priority
- Sanshoku Doujun: Shape impossible
- Ittsu: Shape difficult
Scoring Examples
| Combination | Han | Non-dealer | Dealer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ryanpeikou only | 3 @ 40fu | 5,200 | 7,700 |
| Ryanpei + Tanyao | 4 @ 30fu | 7,700→Mangan | 11,600→Mangan |
| Ryanpei + Riichi + Tsumo | 5 | Mangan | Mangan |
| Ryanpei + Chinitsu | 9 | Baiman | Baiman |
Building Ryanpeikou
Strategy
-
From the deal
- Many pairs present
- Consecutive tiles
- Same-suit runs
-
From iipeikou
- Build first iipeikou
- Aim for second
-
Stay closed
- Never call tiles
- Shape over speed
Good Starting Hands
Ex 1: 2233m 4455p 6677s WW
→ One tile from two iipeikou
Ex 2: 1122334m 55667p 9s
→ First iipeikou doneCommon Mistakes
-
Calling tiles
- Must stay closed
- Calling kills iipeikou too
-
Chiitoitsu confusion
- Same shape = ryanpeikou
- 3 han > 2 han
-
Need two iipeikou
- One isn’t enough
- Must have two sets
-
Missing the yaku
- Complex shape to spot
- Don’t forget to declare
Frequency and Difficulty
Occurrence Rate
- About 0.04% of hands
- Less than 1/10 of iipeikou
- Quite rare
Why It’s Difficult
-
Shape constraints
- Very specific pattern
- Low flexibility
-
Closed requirement
- Can’t call
- Slower progress
-
Limited waits
- Fewer patterns
- Harder to win
Related Terms
- Iipeikou: Single identical pair
- Chiitoitsu: Seven pairs
- Menzen: Closed hand
- Shuntsu: Sequence
- Pinfu: Combines well
Summary
Ryanpeikou is a 3 han closed hand with two sets of identical sequences - essentially double iipeikou. When the same tiles form either ryanpeikou or chiitoitsu, the higher-value ryanpeikou takes priority. It’s rare (about 0.04%) and difficult due to strict shape requirements and closed-hand necessity. Beginners should first master iipeikou, then aim for ryanpeikou when dealt many pairs with consecutive tiles. The achievement of this beautiful pattern brings great satisfaction.