What is Souzu?
Souzu (Bamboo Tiles), also called “sticks” or “bams,” is one of the three numbered suits in mahjong, featuring bamboo stick patterns. It includes 1-sou through 9-sou, with 4 tiles of each for 36 total tiles.
The bamboo represents strings of coins from ancient China. The suit is sometimes called “tiaozi” in Chinese references.
Souzu Tile List
| Tile | Reading | Design | Notable Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-sou | Ii-sou | Bird (peacock) | Only non-bamboo design |
| 2-sou | Ryan-sou | 2 bamboo sticks | Horizontal pair |
| 3-sou | San-sou | 3 bamboo sticks | In a row |
| 4-sou | Suu-sou | 4 bamboo sticks | In a row |
| 5-sou | Uu-sou | 4+1 red bamboo | Red center stick |
| 6-sou | Roo-sou | 6 sticks (3×2) | Two rows |
| 7-sou | Chii-sou | 7 sticks | Unique arrangement |
| 8-sou | Paa-sou | 8 sticks (M-shape) | Distinctive pattern |
| 9-sou | Kyuu-sou | 9 sticks (3×3) | Three rows |
Design Characteristics
Souzu features:
1. Bamboo representation
- Green bamboo sticks
- Vertical lines
- Sometimes show nodes/leaves
2. The 1-sou exception
- Bird (usually peacock) design
- Most distinctive numbered tile
- Not a bamboo stick
3. Pattern layouts
- 2-4: horizontal row
- 5: 4 + red center
- 6-9: multi-row arrangementsRecognition Tips
For Beginners
-
Count the sticks
- Matches the number (except 1-sou)
- 5-sou includes red stick = 5 total
-
Remember 1-sou
- It’s a bird, not bamboo
- “Ii-sou = bird” is a useful memory trick
-
Learn patterns
- 6-sou: 3×2 grid
- 8-sou: distinctive M-shape
- 9-sou: 3×3 grid
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Details | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Forgetting 1-sou | It’s a bird | Not bamboo design |
| 8-sou pattern | M-shaped | Different from others |
| Missing aka dora | Red 5-sou | Check center stick |
| Pronunciation | ”Souzu” or “Sou” | Not “Souzu” with long o |
Special Yaku: Ryuuiisou
Souzu has a unique yakuman: Ryuuiisou (All Green)
Ryuuiisou requirements:
- Only green tiles allowed
- Souzu: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 (no red)
- Plus Hatsu (green dragon) optional
Not allowed:
- 1-sou (bird has colors)
- 5-sou (has red)
- 7-sou (has red)
- 9-sou (has red)Yaku Using Souzu
| Yaku | How Souzu is Used |
|---|---|
| Chinitsu | All souzu hand |
| Ryuuiisou | Green souzu + hatsu |
| Ittsu | 123-456-789 in souzu |
| Tanyao | 2-8 souzu only |
Related Terms
- Manzu: Character suit
- Pinzu: Circle suit
- Chunchanpai: Simple tiles (2-8)
- Routouhai: Terminal tiles (1, 9)
Summary
Souzu (bamboo tiles) feature bamboo stick patterns, with the notable exception of 1-sou which shows a bird. This makes 1-sou one of the most distinctive tiles in mahjong. Understanding souzu includes knowing about Ryuuiisou - a yakuman unique to this suit that uses only green-colored tiles.