What is Sanshoku? Three Color Straight Explained for Beginners

What is Sanshoku Doujun?

Sanshoku Doujun (三色同順), commonly called “Sanshoku,” is a popular yaku in mahjong where you make the same numbered sequence in all three suits - man, pin, and sou. It’s worth 2 han closed, 1 han open (kuisagari).

With its beautiful form, it’s an easy yaku to aim for and is loved by beginners to experts alike. It often combines with tanyao and pinfu, making it a practical yaku with high value.

Detailed Explanation of Sanshoku

Conditions for Completion

Sanshoku Examples

Basic sanshoku:

123m 123p 123s 456m EE
└─────────┘ (all three are 123)

Different numbers:

234m 234p 234s 789m WW
└─────────┘ (all three are 234)

About Kuisagari

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Strategy

"Have 234 in two suits, going for sanshoku"
"Just need sou 234 for sanshoku!"

Example 2: Calling decisions

"Sanshoku confirmed, let's chi"
"Even kuisagari is 1 han"

Example 3: Combined yakus

"Sanshoku + tanyao = 3 han"
"Closed sanshoku + pinfu!"

How to Make Sanshoku

Basic Strategy

1. Start from 2 suits

   • Same sequence in 2 suits
   • Wait for 3rd

2. Flexibly change numbers

   • From 234 to 345
   • Adjust to situation

3. Calling decisions

   • Call if confirmed
   • 1 han is still valuable

Easy Patterns to Aim For

Discovery Tips

1. Focus on same numbers

   23m 23p → 1 or 4 completes 2 suits
   45p 45s → 3 or 6 completes 2 suits

2. Overlapping taatsu

   • Same shape in different suits
   • Sanshoku possibility

3. Check while sorting

   • Organize by suit
   • Line up same numbers vertically

Related Terms

• Sanshoku Doukou: Triplet version of sanshoku
• Shuntsu: Sequential 3 tiles
• Kuisagari: Han reduction from calling
• Ikkitsuukan: 123-456-789 in 1 suit
• Chi: Calling to make sequence

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. Not enough suits

   • 2 suits don’t qualify
   • Need all 3 suits

2. Different numbers

   • 123m, 234p, 345s doesn’t count
   • All must be same number

3. Confusion with triplets

   • Sanshoku doujun is sequences only
   • Triplets are sanshoku doukou

4. Forgetting kuisagari

   • Open = 1 han
   • Not 2 han

Yakus that Combine with Sanshoku

Often Combined

High Score Patterns

Value of closed sanshoku:

• Sanshoku + Tanyao + Pinfu (3 han)
• Riichi + Sanshoku + Pinfu (4 han)
• With Ikkitsuukan (4 han)

Strategic Points

When to Aim for Sanshoku

1. Early to mid game

   • Have time to build
   • 2 suits already there

2. Sequence-oriented starting hand

   • Many taatsu
   • Few pairs

3. When you need score

   • 1 han isn’t enough
   • Sanshoku adds points

Sanshoku Value Assessment

Worth pursuing:

• 2 suits complete
• Can combine with tanyao
• No other yaku

OK to give up:

• Only 1 suit
• Better alternatives
• Too late to complete

Practical Tips

Efficient Approach

1. Build broadly

   • Balance between 234 and 345
   • Flexible changes

2. Decide early

   • Fix direction by mid game
   • Don’t force it

3. Calling timing

   • After 2 suits complete
   • Call actively once confirmed

Reading Sanshoku

Signs opponent has sanshoku:

• Not discarding certain numbers
• Sequence-oriented discards
• Holding middle tiles

Defense:

• Hold same-number tiles
• Be careful when 2 suits visible

Conclusion

Sanshoku is a beautiful yaku where you make the same sequence in all 3 suits. Worth 2 han closed and 1 han open, it combines well with tanyao and pinfu for practical value. Beginners should first learn “same numbers in all 3 suits,” then actively pursue the 3rd suit when you have 2. Even with kuisagari, 1 han is still valuable, so calling when confirmed is worthwhile. It’s a popular yaku that combines mahjong’s beauty with practicality.