Toimen (Opposite Player) - The Player Across the Table

What is Toimen?

Toimen (Opposite Player) refers to the player sitting directly across from you at the mahjong table. Also called “taika,” this is the physically furthest player from your position.

You cannot chi from toimen - only pon and kan are possible. Due to the distance, toimen is often the hardest player to read, as their expressions and subtle movements are less visible.

Table Position

Seating arrangement (your view):

        Toimen (opposite)
              ↑
    Kamicha ← You → Shimocha
    (left)         (right)

Distance: Furthest away
Turn order: You → Shimocha → Toimen → Kamicha

Relationship with Toimen

Aspect	Description	Note
Calling	Pon and kan only	No chi
Turn order	2 turns apart	Shimocha between
Physical distance	Furthest	Hard to observe
Information	Least available	Hard to read

Compared to Other Players

Position	Distance	Possible Calls	Info Level
Kamicha	Close	Chi, pon, kan	High
Shimocha	Close	Pon, kan	Medium
Toimen	Far	Pon, kan	Low

Why Toimen is Hard to Read

Psychological factors:
1. Visual distance
   - Can't see facial details
   - Hand movements unclear
   - Only see general posture

2. Attention bias
   - Focus on kamicha/shimocha
   - Toimen often overlooked
   - Mental blind spot

3. Information delay
   - 2 turns between you
   - Reactions seem slower
   - Less immediate threat feel

Reading Toimen

Observation	What to Check	Difficulty
Discards	River patterns	Medium (far)
Calls	Pon/kan presence	Easy
Speed	Discard rhythm	Hard (distance)
Posture	Tenpai signs	Hard (far)

Strategic Considerations

Gathering Information

What to track from toimen:
1. General hand tendency
   - Calling frequency
   - Discard bias
   - Riichi presence

2. Point awareness
   - Pushing or folding?
   - Defensive or aggressive?
   - Standing-based play

3. Play style
   - Offensive type
   - Defensive type
   - Balanced type

Responding to Toimen

Toimen Status	Response	Reason
Riichi	Careful	Hard to read waits
Multiple calls	High alert	Fast hand
Damaten suspect	Safe play	Hidden threat

Advantages of Distance

Benefits of toimen position:
1. Calm judgment
   - Less emotional reaction
   - Objective viewpoint

2. Full table view
   - See all 3 players
   - Read overall flow

3. Less pressure
   - Not under direct gaze
   - Can maintain composure

Common Mistakes

Pronunciation
- “Toimen” not “Taimen”
- Mahjong-specific reading
Chi confusion
- Cannot chi from toimen
- Only pon and kan
Observation neglect
- Most overlooked player
- But still important
Psychological blind spot
- Least conscious of toimen
- Don’t underestimate

Checking Toimen’s River

Physical Challenges

Why the river is hard to see:
1. Distance is far
2. Angle is awkward
3. Other hands may block

Solutions:
- Check periodically
- Memorize key tiles
- Adjust viewing angle

Kamicha: Left player
Shimocha: Right player
Pon: Calling for triplet
Kawa: Discard river

Summary

Toimen is the player directly across from you - the furthest and hardest to read. You can only pon or kan from them, not chi. While they’re easy to overlook, don’t neglect checking their discards and calls. The distance provides both challenges (less information) and benefits (clearer overall view). Maintain awareness of all four positions for complete mahjong strategy.