Tsuppari (Pushing Through) - Aggressive Attack Strategy

What is Tsuppari?

Tsuppari means aggressively pushing forward despite danger. Even against opponents’ riichi or calls, you prioritize winning over defense. “Zen-tsuppa” (full push) means completely abandoning defense.

The term comes from sumo wrestling, describing pushing back against attacks.

Types of Tsuppari

When to Tsuppari

1. Point situation
   - Far behind the leader
   - Final hand reversal needed
   - Dead last comeback

2. Hand value
   - Confirmed high points
   - Mangan or higher
   - Yakuman chance

3. Remaining hands
   - Running out of time
   - South or West round

Common Usage

Example 1: Declaration

"Going zen-tsuppa here"
"Pushing through that riichi"

Example 2: Situation

"Confirmed mangan, tsuppari"
"Final hand, have to push"

Example 3: Result

"Pushed and dealt in"
"Tsuppari success - comeback!"

Related Terms

• Oshi-hiki: Push-fold balance
• Betaori: Complete fold
• Genbutsu: Safe tiles
• Houjuu: Dealing in
• Orasu: Final hand

Common Mistakes

1. Always pushing

   • Need situation judgment
   • Reckless is bad

2. Pushing cheap hands

   • Risk-reward mismatch
   • Don’t push 1000 into mangan

3. Emotional pushing

   • Stay calm
   • No tilt plays

4. No-read pushing

   • Some safety awareness
   • Completely blind is dangerous

Judgment Criteria

By Point Situation

By Hand Value

When to push:
1. Confirmed mangan+
2. Dora 3+
3. Yakuman tenpai
4. Dealer haneman+

When not to push:
1. 1000-point hand
2. Bad shape wait
3. No-dora cheap hand
4. Zero defense

Tsuppari Strategy

Effective Pushing

Techniques

1. Suji-aware pushing
   - Lower danger
   - Some reading

2. Keep safe tiles
   - Minimal insurance
   - Half-push

3. Read-based pushing
   - Guess their wait
   - Avoid danger tiles

4. Timing push
   - Right moment
   - Identify crucial spots

Risk and Return

Risks

Returns

Success benefits:
1. High points gained
2. Comeback possible
3. Change the flow
4. Pressure opponents

Psychology

Pusher’s Mindset

• Will to win: Never give up
• Fighter spirit: Fear no risk
• Pressure: Fear of failure
• Excitement: Adrenaline rush

Opponent’s Reaction

Against tsuppari:
1. Feel pressured
2. Become defensive
3. Make mistakes
4. Judgment dulls

Situation-Based Pushing

By Round

By Opponent Type

1. Against beginners
   - Push moderately
   - Educational consideration

2. Against experts
   - Don't be read
   - Vary tempo

3. Against defensive types
   - Push actively
   - Apply pressure

4. Against aggressive types
   - Judge carefully
   - Avoid mutual destruction

Famous Sayings

• “Mahjong comes down to courage”
• “If you’re scared, you lose”
• “Zen-tsuppa is mahjong’s flower”
• “Can’t win just defending”

Online Mahjong

Summary

Tsuppari is aggressively pushing despite danger - essential tactics in certain situations. Judge point position, hand value, and remaining hands comprehensively, pushing at the right times. Beginners should start with high-value hands or desperate situations, gradually developing judgment. Understand the difference between reckless and calculated pushing, balancing risk and return to identify crucial moments. That’s the path to improvement.