What is Sanbaiman? 11+ Han Ultra High Scoring Explained for Beginners

What is Sanbaiman?

Sanbaiman (三倍満) is a scoring tier in mahjong, achieved with 11 or 12 han. The name means “triple mangan,” with parent scoring 36,000 points and child scoring 24,000 points - the second highest tier after yakuman.

Sanbaiman represents nearly the limit of what can be achieved through normal yaku combinations, with tremendous impact when achieved.

Detailed Explanation of Sanbaiman

Sanbaiman Requirements and Points

Scoring Tier Positioning

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Sanbaiman Confirmation

"Chinitsu dora 5 - sanbaiman!"
"Riichi ippatsu tsumo sanankou toitoi dora 3 - sanbaiman!"
"Shousangen makes sanbaiman!"

Example 2: Sanbaiman’s Impact

"Direct parent sanbaiman causes bust"
"Sanbaiman tsumo for the big comeback!"
"This hand would be 40,000+ points"

Example 3: Aiming for Sanbaiman

"Got 10 han, one more for sanbaiman"
"Kan for kandora could reach sanbaiman"
"Beyond this, only yakuman is higher, sanbaiman is plenty"

How to Build Sanbaiman

Representative Sanbaiman Patterns

1. Near-Yakuman Sanbaiman

2. High-Han Yaku Combinations

Chinitsu(6) + Sanankou(2) + Dora 3 = 11 han
Honitsu(3) + Toitoi(2) + Sanankou(2) + Dora 4 = 11 han
Sanankou(2) + Toitoi(2) + Yakuhai×3(3) + Dora 4 = 11 han

Tips for Approaching Sanbaiman

1. Collect dora

   • 5+ dora is ideal
   • Expect kandora and uradora

2. Aim for high-han yaku

   • Chinitsu (6 han)
   • Shousangen + Yakuhai (5 han)
   • Honroutou + Toitoi (4 han)

3. Combine multiple yaku

   • Riichi + Ippatsu + Tsumo
   • Sanankou + Toitoi
   • Multiple yakuhai

Related Terms

• Mangan: 3-5 han scoring tier
• Haneman: 6-7 han scoring tier
• Baiman: 8-10 han scoring tier
• Kazoe Yakuman: 13+ han
• Yakuman: Specific pattern hands

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. 10 Han is Not Sanbaiman

   • 10 han is baiman
   • Sanbaiman starts at 11 han

2. 13 Han is Kazoe Yakuman

   • Up to 12 han is sanbaiman
   • 13+ han becomes yakuman equivalent

3. Fu Doesn’t Matter

   • 11+ han always sanbaiman
   • Same points whether 30 fu or 70 fu

4. Different from Yakuman

   • Sanbaiman is accumulated regular yaku
   • Yakuman requires specific patterns

Sanbaiman Occurrence Frequency and Value

Occurrence Frequency

Significance of Sanbaiman

• Point value: Overwhelming destructive power
• Psychological value: Achievement and rarity
• Strategic value: Game-deciding
• Skill proof: Advanced player goal

Sanbaiman Tactics

Judgment from Starting Hand

Starting hands favorable for sanbaiman:

1. 3+ dora

   • Basic 5 han + Dora 6 = 11 han

2. Chinitsu possibility

   • 10+ tiles of same suit

3. Multiple yakuhai pairs

   • Path to shousangen

4. Triplet-heavy hand

   • Toitoi + Sanankou

Strategy Approach

Early: Explore high-han yaku possibilities
Mid: Maximize dora utilization
Late: Secure 11+ han

Practical Sanbaiman Examples

Case Studies

Case 1: Chinitsu Base

Hand: Near all-pin formation
Dora: 4-pin × 3
Strategy: Chinitsu(6) + Dora 3 + Riichi + Tsumo
Result: 11 han sanbaiman

Case 2: Shousangen Route

Hand: White-White, Green-Green, Red-Red
Yakuhai: White, Green, Red all valid
Strategy: Shousangen(2) + Yakuhai×3(3) + Honitsu(3) + Dora 3
Result: 11 han sanbaiman

Case 3: Ultimate Triplet Form

Hand: 3 concealed triplets, 1 pon
Yaku: Sanankou(2) + Toitoi(2) + Riichi(1) + Ippatsu(1) + Tsumo(1) + Dora 4
Result: 11 han sanbaiman

Conclusion

Sanbaiman is achieved with 11 or 12 han, scoring 36,000 for parent and 24,000 for child - devastating power second only to yakuman. With an occurrence frequency of about 0.2%, the joy and impact upon achievement is immeasurable.

For beginners, it may seem like a distant goal, but when holding many dora or when high-han yaku combine, consider sanbaiman potential. Remembering patterns like Chinitsu + Dora 5 or Shousangen + Honitsu, you might achieve it someday.

Sanbaiman represents nearly the limit of what’s achievable through normal yaku combinations - a true milestone in mahjong.