What is Shousangen? Little Three Dragons Requirements Explained for Beginners

What is Shousangen (Little Three Dragons)?

Shousangen (小三元) is a mahjong yaku where you make triplets from 2 types of dragons (white, green, red) and use the remaining type as the pair. It’s a subordinate yaku to daisangen, popular as a relatively easy-to-make high-scoring yaku.

Worth 2 han whether closed or open, it always combines with yakuhai (1 han each for dragon triplets), guaranteeing effectively 4+ han. The fun of collecting dragons and guaranteed high points are this yaku’s appeal.

Detailed Explanation of Shousangen

Establishment Conditions

For shousangen to be valid, these conditions must be met:

Composition Patterns

Three patterns of shousangen:

Closed vs Open Difference

※No kuisagari

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Yaku Confirmation

"Ponned white and green, shousangen confirmed"
"Red as pair, shousangen 4 han"

Example 2: Choosing with Daisangen

"Only 1 red, aim for shousangen"
"If can pon red too, daisangen"

Example 3: Strategic Judgment

"Even shousangen guarantees mangan"
"Defense solid with 2 yakuhai"

Difference from Daisangen

Comparison Table

Shousangen Characteristics

1. Guaranteed high points

   • Minimum 4 han confirmed
   • Mangan is basic

2. Easier to make

   • More realistic than daisangen
   • Only 2 dragon types needed

3. Strong even when open

   • No kuisagari
   • Can actively call

Related Terms

• Daisangen: 3 dragon triplets, yakuman
• Yakuhai: Yaku that always combines
• Sangenpai: White, green, red
• Toitoi: Often combined yaku
• Honroutou: Combinable yaku

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. Han calculation

   • Shousangen 2 han + yakuhai 2 han
   • Becomes minimum 4 han

2. Forgetting the pair

   • Dragon pair is mandatory
   • Doesn’t work with other tiles

3. Confusion with daisangen

   • 3 triplets is daisangen (yakuman)
   • 2 triplets + 1 pair is shousangen

4. Yakuhai overlap

   • White 1 han + green 1 han counted separately
   • Total 2 han yakuhai

Compatible and Incompatible Yaku

Always Combined Yaku

Commonly Combined Yaku

Incompatible Yaku

• Pinfu: Has triplets
• Tanyao: Uses honors
• Junchan: Uses honors

Strategic Points

When to Aim for Shousangen

1. Many dragons in starting hand

   • 5+ dragon tiles
   • 2+ pairs

2. Dragons accumulate early

   • Decide policy early
   • Actively call

3. Need high points

   • Mangan guarantee is big
   • Comeback chance

Calling Judgment

Reasons to actively call:

• No kuisagari
• Secure points with yakuhai
• Pressure on opponents

Calling timing:

• 1st dragon → Immediate pon
• 2nd dragon → Immediate pon
• Arrange remaining shape

Defensive Strength

Shousangen defense:

1. Control dragons

   • Prevent opponent yakuhai
   • Block daisangen

2. Quick win

   • Accelerate with calling
   • Stop opponent hands

3. Apply pressure

   • High-point intimidation
   • Opponent hands shrink

Practical Tips

Early Game Judgment

Guidelines for shousangen:

• 4+ dragon tiles
• Have dragon pair
• No other yaku visible

Distinguishing from daisangen:

• All 3 types pairs → Aim for daisangen
• Only 1 of one type → Shousangen confirmed
• Switch depending on situation

Remaining Sets

Recommended composition:

• Sequences for wide acceptance
• Tanyao-type sets
• Sets including dora

Composition to avoid:

• Terminal-heavy sets
• Weak defensive shapes
• Discarding dora pairs

Point Calculation Awareness

Basic calculation:

• Shousangen 2 han + yakuhai 2 han = 4 han
• Haneman possible with dora or tsumo
• Baiman with other yaku combinations

Conclusion

Shousangen is a practical 2-han yaku using dragons in 2 triplets + 1 pair. Always combining with yakuhai for 4+ han, it guarantees mangan as a powerful yaku. Easier to make than daisangen (yakuman) and no kuisagari even when open are major appeals. For beginners, first learn the basics: “2 dragons ponned + 1 dragon pair,” and actively aim when starting hand has many dragons. Defensively, controlling dragons restricts opponent hands, making it excellent for both offense and defense.