What is Tenpai-ryou?
Tenpai-ryou (tenpai payment) is the points that tenpai players receive from noten players when no one wins and the hand ends in exhaustive draw. Typically “ba 3,000 points” (split among tenpai players), it rewards those who kept building their hand until the end.
At exhaustive draw, hands are revealed to verify tenpai or noten status, and points are exchanged accordingly.
Point Exchange Details
Ba 3,000 Point Calculation
| Tenpai Count | Noten Count | Exchange | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | 3 people | Each pays 1,000 | Tenpai: +3,000 |
| 2 people | 2 people | Each gets 1,500 | Each tenpai: +1,500 |
| 3 people | 1 person | Each gets 1,000 | Noten: -3,000 |
| 4 people | 0 people | No exchange | All tenpai |
| 0 people | 4 people | No exchange | All noten |
What Counts as Tenpai
| Form | Valid | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Normal tenpai | ○ | One tile from win |
| No-yaku tenpai | ○ | Shape only is OK |
| Furiten | ○ | Can’t ron but OK |
| Karaten | ○ | Zero wait tiles OK |
| Noten riichi | × | Chombo penalty |
Common Usage
Example 1: At exhaustive draw
"Draw - who's tenpai?"
"Noten payment please"Example 2: Revealing hands
"I'm tenpai"
"I was noten"Example 3: Strategy
"Won't fold - aiming for tenpai payment"
"Working hard for that 3,000"Significance of Tenpai-ryou
Game Balance Impact
-
Don’t give up
- Prevents pure defense
- Maintains tension
-
Attack-defense balance
- Defense-only loses points
- Motivation to attack
-
Comeback potential
- Small points matter
- Affects ranking
-
Skill reflection
- Tenpai ability difference
- Shows skill
Related Terms
- Noten Bappu: Noten penalty
- Ryuukyoku: Exhaustive draw
- Tenpai: One from win
- Keishiki Tenpai: Formal tenpai
- Furiten: Self-block status
Common Mistakes
-
Not showing hand
- Must reveal tiles
- Declaration only invalid
-
Yaku misunderstanding
- Shape only is OK
- No yaku required
-
Karaten handling
- Zero tiles still tenpai
- Shape matters
-
Dealer renchan
- Tenpai = continues
- Draw continues too
Strategic Use
Late-Game Decisions
| Situation | Approach | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Big lead | Maintain tenpai | Prevent loss |
| Close race | Push for tenpai | 3,000 is significant |
| Confirmed last | Aim for big hand | Tenpai won’t help |
| Final hand | Especially important | Affects ranking |
Calculation Examples
Case 1: 1 person tenpai
Situation: A is tenpai, B/C/D are noten
B → A: 1,000 pts
C → A: 1,000 pts
D → A: 1,000 pts
Result: A +3,000, others -1,000 eachCase 2: 2 people tenpai
Situation: A/B tenpai, C/D noten
C → A: 750 pts, C → B: 750 pts
D → A: 750 pts, D → B: 750 pts
Result: A/B +1,500 each, C/D -1,500 eachSpecial Cases
Dealer Tenpai
Dealer tenpai → Renchan (continues as dealer)
Dealer noten → Dealer passes
Note:
- Tenpai payment same as usual
- No special dealer treatmentAbortive Draws
| Type | Reason | Tenpai Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Kyuushu | Special draw | None |
| Suufon | Special draw | None |
| Suukaikan | Special draw | None |
| Sanchahou | Special draw | None |
Local Rules
Amount Variations
| Region/Rule | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | Ba 3,000 | Most common |
| Some areas | Ba 2,000 | Slightly less |
| High stakes | Ba 4,000 | Higher impact |
| None | 0 pts | Some rulesets |
Summary
Tenpai-ryou is the point exchange at exhaustive draw where tenpai players receive points from noten players - typically ba 3,000. Even without yaku or in furiten, tenpai is valid if the shape is complete. Beginners should learn “reveal hands at draw” and “tenpai gets points,” striving not to give up until the end. Though small, tenpai-ryou adds tension to the game and keeps it interesting until the very last tile.