Shibori (Squeezing) - Blocking Opponent Calls

What is Shibori?

Shibori (squeezing) is a defensive technique where you hold specific tiles to prevent opponents from calling them. Mainly used against yakuman like Daisangen and Daisuushii, you keep dangerous tiles in your hand rather than discarding.

Essential for avoiding Pao (responsibility payment), shibori is an advanced player’s must-have skill.

Purpose of Shibori

Basic Shibori Process

1. Check opponent's calls
2. Identify dangerous tiles
3. Never discard them
4. Keep in hand
5. Hold until the end

Shibori for Daisangen

When to Start

Opponent calls: White pon
  ↓
Begin caution
  ↓
Opponent pons Green (2nd)
  ↓
Squeeze Red (never discard)

Importance

Shibori for Daisuushii

When to Start

Opponent calls: East, South pon
  ↓
Begin caution
  ↓
Opponent pons West (3rd)
  ↓
Squeeze North (never discard)

Special Concern

• 4 wind types
• Squeeze after 3 calls
• Double yakuman risk

Shibori Technique

Complete Squeeze

1. Secure early

   • Hold before 2 calls
   • Think ahead

2. Multiple tiles

   • If possible, 2+ copies
   • More certainty

3. Until the end

   • Hold to exhaustion
   • Never release

Partial Squeeze

• Hold just 1 tile
• Situational release
• Risk management

Cost of Shibori

Squeeze
  ↓
Hold unwanted tiles
  ↓
Hand worsens
  ↓
Winning chances drop
  ↓
But necessary defense

Balancing Attack and Defense

Psychology of Shibori

Pressure on Opponent

You squeeze
  ↓
They can't call
  ↓
Yakuman incomplete
  ↓
Opponent frustrated

Tile Monopoly

• Control target tiles
• Remove their options
• Gain advantage

Counting for Shibori

Remaining Tiles

Success Probability

You hold 2 copies
  ↓
Only 1 remaining
  ↓
Low chance opponent draws
  ↓
Squeeze likely succeeds

Common Mistakes

1. Squeeze timing

   • 1 call = watch
   • 2 calls = squeeze

2. Hand sacrifice

   • Squeeze hurts hand
   • But necessary cost

3. Tile selection

   • Not all dragons
   • Count remaining

4. Incomplete squeeze

   • Hold until end
   • Don’t release mid-game

Related Terms

• Sekinin-barai: What shibori prevents
• Daisangen: Squeeze target
• Daisuushii: Squeeze target
• Betaori: Related defense
• Defense: Shibori is defensive

Summary

Shibori is holding tiles to prevent opponent calls, mainly against yakuman like Daisangen and Daisuushii. After 2 dragon calls, squeeze the 3rd; after 3 wind calls, squeeze the 4th. It hurts your hand but avoids yakuman responsibility payment. Beginners should learn “2 calls = squeeze” and be careful with dragons and winds. Mastering shibori is essential for advancing in mahjong.