Effective Riichi Timing: Decision Criteria to Improve Win Rate

Basic Concepts of Riichi

Riichi is one of the most important tactics in mahjong. Declaring riichi at the right timing can dramatically improve your scoring potential.

Merits of Riichi

1. Increased Scoring - Riichi itself is worth 1 han, plus you can benefit from uradora
2. Pressure on Opponents - Declaring riichi can hinder opponents’ hand development
3. Ippatsu and Uradora Chances - Opens possibilities for additional scoring

Demerits of Riichi

1. Hand Lock - Cannot change your hand after riichi
2. Reduced Defense - Become defenseless against opponents’ attacks
3. 1000 Point Deposit - Must place riichi stick on table

Effective Riichi Timing

1. Early Game Riichi

Early game riichi (up to turn 6) is effective when these conditions are met:

• Good wait shape (open-ended or better)
• Opponents still developing their hands
• Score situation allows for it

2. Mid-Game Riichi

Mid-game (turns 7-12) is when riichi decisions are most critical:

• 4 or more tiles in your wait
• Dora tiles in your hand
• Few calls from opponents

3. Late Game Riichi

Late game riichi (turn 13 onward) requires caution:

• High scoring potential expected
• Required by score situation
• No signs of opponents’ tenpai

Situation-Specific Riichi Decisions

Decisions Based on Score Position

1. When in First Place

   • Dama to safely protect first: closed tenpai without declaring
   • Riichi to extend large lead

2. When in Last Place

   • Actively riichi for scoring potential
   • However, consider point gap with third place

Decisions Based on Wait Type

• Open-Ended Wait - Generally recommended to riichi
• Kanchan/Penchan - Depends on situation
• Shanpon - Riichi if waiting on easy tiles
• Tanki - Consider if waiting on honor tile

Conclusion

Riichi decisions require comprehensive consideration of various factors. Fundamentally, aim for riichi with good wait shapes, and judge flexibly according to situations.

With experience, you’ll develop more precise riichi judgment. By consciously applying decision criteria in practice and reviewing results, your riichi decision-making skills will definitely improve.