What is Tanyao? All Simples Conditions and Strategy Explained for Beginners

What is Tanyao (All Simples)?

Tanyao (断幺九) is a fundamental mahjong yaku worth 1 han, made with only 2-8 numbered tiles (simples). Formally called “tanyaochuu,” it means “eliminating terminals and honors” (1, 9, and honor tiles).

One of the first yaku beginners should learn, it’s easy to make and appears frequently, making it important for learning basic mahjong tactics.

Detailed Explanation of Tanyao

Tanyao Establishment Conditions

Tanyao conditions are very simple:

Usable and Unusable Tiles

About Kuitan (Open Tanyao)

Kuitan is a rule allowing tanyao even when calling:

Usage Examples

Real Game Situations

Example 1: Early Game Direction

"Many simples, let's go for tanyao"
"Discard 1s and 9s early to confirm tanyao"

Example 2: Calling Judgment

"Tanyao confirmed, let's call actively"
"Kuitan allowed, so chi this sequence"

Example 3: Choosing Between Yaku

"Undecided between tanyao or chanta"
"Dora is 1-9 but tanyao seems faster"

How to Build Tanyao

Basic Procedure

1. Check starting hand: Count simples
2. Discard terminals: Prioritize discarding 1, 9, honors
3. Collect simples: Keep 2-8 tiles
4. Arrange shape: Make sequences and triplets

Tanyao Hand Examples

Complete hand example:

234-man 456-pin 678-sou 234-sou 55-man

Example with calling:

Hand: 345-man 567-sou 88-pin
Pon: 666-pin
Chi: 234-sou

Related Terms

• Chunchanpai: Simples (2-8)
• Yaochuuhai: Terminals and honors (1, 9, honors)
• Pinfu: Yaku compatible with tanyao
• Kuisagari: Han decrease when calling (tanyao doesn’t decrease)

Common Mistakes and Points to Note

Points Beginners Often Mistake

1. Using red dora 1 or 9

   • Red 5-man, 5-pin, 5-sou are OK
   • Even if red 1-man existed, NG

2. Overlooking honor tiles

   • Don’t notice honors until the end
   • Especially overlook honor pairs

3. Not confirming kuitan rules

   • Rules vary by location
   • Need to check beforehand

4. Sequences including 1-9

   • 123 and 789 sequences are NG
   • Only 234-678 sequences OK

Yaku That Combine with Tanyao

Commonly Combined Yaku

Yaku That Don’t Combine

• Chanta: Requires 1, 9, honors
• Honroutou: Only 1, 9, honors
• Chinroutou: Only 1, 9
• Yakuhai: Needs honor triplet

Tactical Points

When to Aim for Tanyao

1. Many simples in starting hand

   • Strong candidate with 8+ simples
   • Few terminals/honors

2. Want to speed attack

   • Easy and fast to make
   • Valid even when calling (if kuitan allowed)

3. Want safe progression

   • Simples are relatively safe
   • Advantageous defensively too

Tanyao Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

• Easy to make (20%+ occurrence)
• Valid even when calling
• Easily combines with other yaku
• Simples often become safe tiles

Disadvantages:

• Low points at only 1 han
• Can’t use dora if it’s 1, 9, honor
• Easily read

Practical Tips

Efficient Building

1. Early game: Actively discard terminals/honors
2. Mid game: Decide shape, consider calling
3. Late game: Aim for certain win

Calling Judgment Criteria

• Call: Tenpai is near, dealer turn, point lead
• Don’t call: Aim for riichi, need high points

Combination Examples

Mentanpin (Closed Tanyao Pinfu)

• Tanyao + pinfu + riichi + tsumo
• Most basic high-scoring form

Conclusion

Tanyao is one of mahjong’s easiest and most practical yaku. While the rule “make with only 2-8 tiles” is simple, it’s ideal for learning basic mahjong tactics including yaku combinations and calling judgment. Beginners should start by reliably making tanyao. Don’t forget to check kuitan rules!