What is Tanki Machi? Single Wait Benefits and Usage Explained for Beginners

What is Tanki Machi (Single Wait)?

Tanki machi (単騎待ち) is a tenpai pattern waiting for the single tile that will become the pair (jantou). It’s a state where 4 sets are complete and waiting for the last tile to form the pair.

“Tanki” means “lone cavalry,” named for the image of a single soldier remaining on the battlefield. In some regions, it’s also called “tanchao.”

Detailed Explanation of Tanki Machi

Basic Tanki Machi Form

Complete example: :1m::2m::3m: :4p::5p::6p: :7s::8s::9s: :1z::1z::1z: ?
                  └─set─┘ └─set─┘ └─set─┘ └─set─┘

Waiting tile: Any single tile (e.g., :5m:)

Tanki Machi Characteristics

Feature	Explanation
Acceptance count	Maximum 3 tiles (few)
Readability	Very hard to read
Flexibility	Can change waiting tile
Chiitoitsu relation	Chiitoitsu is also tanki

Tanki Machi Patterns

Normal tanki machi
- Pair wait after 4 sets complete
- Most basic form
Hell tanki
- Tanki wait on tile with 2 visible
- Waiting for last remaining tile
Chiitoitsu tanki machi
- 6 pairs + tanki
- Special tanki wait

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Tanki Wait Declaration

"Riichi on :5z: tanki wait"
"Accept to tanki to be hard to read"

Example 2: Tactical Judgment

"Since riichi came, change to safe tile tanki"
"This situation, tanki wait is effective"

Example 3: Hell Tanki

"Hell tanki on :4z: with 2 discarded... tough but gambling"
"Tanki wait on tile opponents won't easily discard"

Advantages and Disadvantages of Tanki Machi

Advantages

Advantage	Detail
Hard to read	Opponents hard to guard
Can wait with safe tiles	Honor tiles, terminals, etc.
Can change wait	Can change by tsumo-cutting
Can wait on discarded tiles	Hell tanki possible

Disadvantages

Disadvantage	Detail
Few acceptance tiles	Maximum 3 only
May not riichi	Beware formal tenpai
No yaku risk	Need to confirm yaku

Jantou: Pair in winning hand
Ryanmen Machi: Open wait on both ends
Shanpon Machi: Double pair wait
Chiitoitsu: 7 pairs special yaku
Keishiki Tenpai: No yaku tenpai

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

Forgetting yaku check
- Even tanki needs yaku
- Beware formal tenpai
Overlooking furiten
- Sometimes tanki wait on discarded tile
- Tsumo still possible with furiten
Confusion with chiitoitsu
- Chiitoitsu is special tanki wait
- Distinguish from normal tanki
Wrong wait tile selection
- Choose tiles more likely to appear
- Need to read situation

Tanki Machi Tactics

When Tanki Machi is Effective

Defensive situation
- Tanki with safe tile against riichi
- Can aim for win while defending
Target opponent’s discards
- Wait with tile opponents likely to discard
- Psychological warfare element
High point hand
- Utilize hard-to-read nature
- Tanki wait in yakuman, etc.

How to Choose Tanki Wait

Priority	Waiting tile type	Reason
1	Fresh tile	Tile nobody has discarded
2	1 tile discarded	Still has possibility
3	Safe tile	Opponents likely to discard
4	Hell tanki	Last resort

Special Tanki Machi Forms

Nobetan (Extended Tanki)

:1m::2m::3m::4m: → :1m: or :4m: tanki wait (2 types)

Form waiting 2 types of tanki from 4-consecutive

Changing to Tanki Wait

Ryanmen machi → Tsumo → Change to tanki wait
:2m::3m: wait :1m::4m: → Draw :2m: → :4m: tanki

Psychological Warfare with Tanki Machi

Outsmarting Reads

Tanki on early discards
Dora tanki wait
Honor tile tanki wait

These are normally avoided, but can conversely become targets.

Conclusion

Tanki machi, while having few acceptance tiles, possesses the powerful weapon of being hard to read. Being able to choose tanki machi according to situation greatly expands your tactical range in mahjong. Beginners should start with tanki waits on safe tiles, gradually becoming able to use tanki waits reading opponents’ discards. Mastering the proper use of tanki machi is a key step toward tactical flexibility.