Tezumi (Manual Stacking) - Traditional Tile Shuffling Method

What is Tezumi?

Tezumi (manual stacking) means building tile walls by hand without using an automatic table. This traditional mahjong method has all four players cooperate to flip, shuffle, and stack the tiles.

While automatic tables are now common, tezumi is still used in homes and some traditional settings, offering a classic mahjong atmosphere.

Tezumi Process

Steps

Step	Action	Time
1. Flip	Turn all tiles over	Few sec
2. Shuffle	Mix tiles	10 sec
3. Stack	Build 17×2 walls	20 sec
4. Deal	Dice for dealing	10 sec

※Total about 40-60 seconds

Tezumi vs Automatic Table

Aspect	Tezumi	Automatic
Time	40-60 sec	Few seconds
Effort	Required	None
Feel	Traditional	Modern
Cost	None	Expensive
Location	Anywhere	Parlors

Common Usage

Example 1: Confirming method

"We'll do tezumi"
"Let's play tezumi mahjong"

Example 2: During process

"Let's shuffle"
"Time to stack"

Example 3: Atmosphere

"Tezumi has more charm"
"Tezumi takes time"

Automatic Table: Opposite of tezumi
Haipai: Result of stacking
Shipai: Shuffling tiles
Saikoro: Dice for dealing
Wanpai: Dead wall

Common Mistakes

Stack count
- 17 tiles × 2 rows (34)
- Each player stacks their wall
Shuffling
- Mix thoroughly
- Avoid bias
Stacking
- Keep straight
- Don’t collapse
Wanpai
- 14 tiles (7×2)
- Set aside at end

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Flip Tiles

After hand ends
  ↓
All gather tiles
  ↓
Flip all face-down
  ↓
To center of table

2. Shuffle (Shipai)

Everyone helps shuffle
Mix thoroughly
Until random
About 10 seconds

3. Stack Tiles

In front of each player
  ↓
17 tiles in a row
  ↓
Stack 17 more on top
  ↓
2-row wall complete

4. Deal

Dealer rolls dice
Deal from indicated spot
13 tiles each (dealer 14)
Set aside 14-tile wanpai

Benefits of Tezumi

Traditional Atmosphere

Benefit	Description
Atmosphere	Classic mahjong
Communication	Cooperative work
Accessibility	No special equipment
Tactile feel	Touching real tiles

Cost Savings

No automatic table needed
Just tiles and mat
Play at home easily

Drawbacks of Tezumi

Time Consuming

Drawback	Description
Time	40-60 sec per hand
Effort	Everyone works
Mistakes	Stacking errors
Fatigue	Tiring over hours

Cheating Risk

Intentional deal manipulation
Stack rigging possible
Requires trust

Tips for Tezumi

Efficient Stacking

Cooperate
- Everyone shuffles
- Stack simultaneously
Practice
- Takes practice
- Get faster over time
Be neat
- Stack straight
- Prevent collapse

Speed Guide

Beginner: 60+ seconds
  ↓
Intermediate: 40-50 seconds
  ↓
Expert: ~30 seconds

Tezumi Etiquette

Manners

Everyone cooperates
Shuffle quickly
Stack carefully
Don’t keep others waiting

Fairness

Dice determines dealing
Ensures randomness
Prevents cheating

History

Origins

Originally all mahjong was tezumi
Automatic tables came later
Traditional method preserved

Evolution

1960s: Tezumi only
1970s: Semi-automatic tables
1980s+: Full automatic spread
Today: Automatic dominant

Where Tezumi Is Used

Location	Tezumi	Automatic
Parlors	Rare	Almost all
Homes	Common	Less
Tournaments	Some	Most

Enjoying Tezumi

Home Mahjong

Friends and family
Low cost
Relaxed atmosphere

Experiencing Tradition

Classic mahjong feel
Tactile enjoyment
Social interaction
Leisurely pace

Summary

Tezumi is the traditional method of manually stacking tiles without an automatic table. Players flip, shuffle, and stack 17×2 tiles each, taking about 40-60 seconds. While automatic tables are now standard, tezumi remains in home games and traditional settings. Beginners should learn “shuffle and stack 17×2” basics and cooperate for quick setup. Though time-consuming, tezumi offers a precious experience of classic mahjong atmosphere. Try it if you get the chance.