Uma (Placement Bonus) - Points by Rank

What is Uma?

Uma is the placement bonus points exchanged based on final rankings after a game ends. Separately from raw point calculation, players give or receive predetermined points based on their placement. This adds meaning to ranking battles and keeps games exciting until the end.

The name “uma” likely comes from horse racing (“uma” means horse), referring to payouts based on position.

Common Uma Settings

Rank	Gotto (5-10)	Wan-Three (10-30)	Wan-Two (10-20)
1st	+10,000	+30,000	+20,000
2nd	+5,000	+10,000	+10,000
3rd	-5,000	-10,000	-10,000
4th	-10,000	-30,000	-20,000

Uma vs Oka

Uma: Point exchange based on placement
- Total always equals 0
- Creates gaps between ranks
- Clarifies 2nd/3rd difference

Oka: Top bonus
- Only 1st place receives
- Usually 20,000 points
- Difference from starting points (25k)

Calculation Method

Element	Calculation
Raw score	Final points - 30,000
Uma	+/- based on rank
Oka	+20,000 for 1st only
Final score	Raw + Uma + Oka

Calculation Example

Gotto (5-10) Settlement

End-game points:
1st: 45,000 (raw +15,000)
2nd: 32,000 (raw +2,000)
3rd: 18,000 (raw -12,000)
4th: 5,000 (raw -25,000)

Final with Oka:
1st: +15,000 +10,000 +20,000 = +45,000
2nd: +2,000 +5,000 -5,000 = +2,000
3rd: -12,000 -5,000 -5,000 = -22,000
4th: -25,000 -10,000 -5,000 = -40,000

Uma Types and Features

Name	Setting	Style	Common Use
Gotto	5-10	Balanced	Most common
Wan-Three	10-30	Rank-heavy	Tournament play
Wan-Two	10-20	Moderate	Parlors
No Uma	0-0	Raw only	Beginners

Special Variations

Variable uma examples:
- 5-15 (favors 2nd place)
- 20-30 (1st place focus)
- Differential uma (changes by point gap)

Strategic Impact

How Uma Changes Play

Situation	Strategy with Uma	Difference
Leading	Protect position	Maintain gap
2nd/3rd battle	Careful play	Big difference
Avoid 3rd	Critical battle	Most important
Avoid last	Top priority	Point dependent

Rank Awareness

Uma effects:
1. Small point gaps still matter
2. One mangan can change rank
3. More last-round drama
4. Everyone stays focused

Close Finish Example

End points:
1st: 31,000
2nd: 30,000
3rd: 29,000
4th: 10,000

Gotto (5-10) final:
1st: +1,000 +10,000 +20,000 = +31,000
2nd: ±0 +5,000 -5,000 = ±0
3rd: -1,000 -5,000 -5,000 = -11,000
4th: -20,000 -10,000 -5,000 = -35,000

→Small 1,000-point gaps become huge!

Points Needed to Move Up

Moving from 3rd to 2nd:
Point gap + Uma difference

Example (Gotto):
Currently 3rd, 5,000 behind 2nd
→ Need 5,100+ to pass
(Uma swings from -5 to +5)

Regional Differences

Region	Standard
Kanto (Tokyo)	Gotto dominant
Kansai (Osaka)	Wan-Two popular
Tournament	Wan-Three common
Online	Selectable settings

Online Mahjong Settings

Platform	Default	Custom
Mahjong Soul	Ranked: No uma	Friend match: Settable
Tenhou	5-10 standard	Varies by table
MJ	Ranked: Fixed	-

Common Mistakes

Confusing Uma and Oka
- Uma = rank bonus, Oka = top bonus
- Different calculations
Not confirming settings
- Always verify before game
- Varies by location
Forgetting Uma exists
- Display shows raw score only
- Uma added afterwards
3-player mahjong
- Different from 4-player
- Has its own settings

Playing with Uma in Mind

Situational Thinking

Timing	Approach	Example
Early	Build raw points	Aim high
Mid	Watch rankings	Move up
Late	Calculate uma	Know required points
Final	Lock rank or reverse	Precise calculation

Oka: Top placement bonus
Suten: Raw score without uma/oka
Seisan: End-game settlement
Juni: Placement rank

Summary

Uma is the placement bonus system that adds meaning to ranking battles in mahjong. With common Gotto (5-10) settings, there’s 10,000 points between 2nd and 3rd, and 20,000 between 1st and 4th. Beginners should first recognize that uma exists and understand that rankings matter beyond raw points. Always confirm uma settings before play, and factor them into your strategy. Understanding uma leads to more strategic and engaging mahjong.