Mahjong Glossary
Clear explanations of mahjong terminology
From beginner to advanced, understand every term instantly
A
Akadora (Red Dora) - Special Bonus Tiles
Learn about Akadora in mahjong - the red-colored special tiles that always count as dora. Understand their value, strategy, and rules.
Ankan (Concealed Kan) - Making a Quad from Your Hand
Learn about Ankan (concealed kan) in mahjong - declaring a quad using only tiles from your hand. Understand the rules, benefits, and when to use this technique.
Ankou (Concealed Triplet) - Self-Drawn Triplets
Learn about Ankou in mahjong - triplets made without calling. Understand the difference from minkou, fu calculation, and yaku like sanankou and suuankou.
Anzen-hai (Safe Tiles) - Avoiding Deal-ins
Learn about Anzen-hai (safe tiles) in mahjong - tiles that won't deal into opponents. Understand genbutsu, suji theory, kabe, and defensive priorities.
Ariari (Open Tanyao & Atozuke Allowed) - Modern Standard Rules
Learn about Ariari rules in mahjong - where kuitan (open tanyao) and atozuke (late yaku) are both allowed. Understand why this is the modern standard.
Aryamen (Head + Ryanmen Shape) - Flexible Hand Building
Learn about Aryamen in mahjong - the compound shape where a pair (head) connects with a ryanmen (two-sided wait). Understand its wide acceptance and flexibility.
Atozuke (Late Yaku Attachment) - Calling Without Confirmed Yaku
Learn about Atozuke in mahjong - calling tiles before having a confirmed yaku. Understand the rule, strategies, and difference from sakizuke.
C
Chiihou (Earth Hand) - Non-Dealer First Draw Yakuman
Learn about Chiihou in mahjong - the yakuman where a non-dealer wins on their very first draw. Understand the conditions and its rarity.
Chunchanpai (Simple Tiles) - The 2-8 Number Tiles
Learn about Chunchanpai (simple tiles) in mahjong - the 2 through 8 numbered tiles. Understand their versatility, connection to Tanyao, and strategic importance.
Chuuren Poutou (Nine Gates) - The Ultimate Chinitsu Yakuman
Learn about Chuuren Poutou in mahjong - the beautiful yakuman requiring 1112345678999 in one suit. Understand the 9-sided wait variant and strategy.
D
Dahai (Discard) - The Act of Discarding a Tile
Learn about Dahai in mahjong - the fundamental action of discarding a tile from your hand. Understand proper technique, etiquette, and strategic considerations.
Deashi (Early Progress) - Starting Hand Development Speed
Learn about Deashi in mahjong - how your hand develops in the early game. Understand good vs bad starts and how to adjust your strategy.
Dora Hyoujihai (Dora Indicator) - How Dora Is Determined
Learn about Dora Hyoujihai in mahjong - the indicator tile that determines dora. Understand the tile cycle, kan dora, ura dora, and strategy.
F
G
H
Hai (Tiles) - The Building Blocks of Mahjong
Learn about Hai in mahjong - the tiles used to play the game. Understand the 136 tiles, their types, names, and proper handling.
Haipai (Starting Hand) - Your Initial Tiles in Mahjong
Learn about Haipai (starting hand) in mahjong - the tiles dealt to each player at the start of a round. Understand how to evaluate your haipai and plan your strategy.
Haiteihai (Last Draw Tile) - The Final Tile from the Wall
Learn about Haiteihai in mahjong - the last tile drawn from the wall. Understand its special rules, Haitei Raoyue yaku, and strategic considerations.
Hajihai (Terminal Tiles) - The 1 and 9 Number Tiles
Learn about Hajihai in mahjong - the terminal tiles (1 and 9). Understand their strategic value, safety aspects, and roles in special hands.
Hora (Winning) - Completing Your Hand
Learn about Hora in mahjong - the formal term for winning by completing your hand. Understand winning conditions, types of wins, and scoring basics.
Houjuu (Deal-in) - Understanding and Avoiding Dealing Into Hands
Learn about Houjuu (dealing in) in mahjong - what it means, how to avoid it, and basic defensive strategies to minimize point losses.
Houtei (River Bottom) - The Last Discard Concept
Learn about Houtei in mahjong - the last discard tile in a round. Understand the rules, Houtei Raoyui yaku, and strategic considerations.
Houteihai (Last Discard Tile) - The Final Tile of the Round
Learn about Houteihai in mahjong - the last discarded tile in a round. Understand Houtei Raoyui, furiten rules, and safe tile selection.
I
Iipeikou (Pure Double Sequence) - Two Identical Sequences
Learn about Iipeikou in mahjong - a 1-han closed-only yaku requiring two identical sequences. Understand how to spot it and its relation to Ryanpeikou.
Iishanten (One Away) - One Tile from Tenpai
Learn about Iishanten in mahjong - being one tile away from tenpai. Understand good vs bad shapes, tile acceptance, and strategic decisions.
Ikkitsuukan (Pure Straight) - The 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9 Yaku
Learn about Ikkitsuukan in mahjong - a 2-han yaku requiring 123, 456, and 789 sequences in one suit. Understand calling rules and strategy.
Ippatsu (One-Shot) - Winning Within One Turn After Riichi
Learn about Ippatsu in mahjong - a 1-han bonus yaku for winning within one turn of declaring riichi. Understand conditions and when it's cancelled.
J
Jantou (Pair/Head) - The Essential Pair in Your Winning Hand
Learn about Jantou in mahjong - the pair of identical tiles required in a winning hand. Understand its role in waits, scoring, and strategy.
Jihai (Honor Tiles) - East, South, West, North, White, Green, Red
Learn about Jihai in mahjong - the 7 special tiles including winds and dragons. Understand their strategic value, yakuhai, and defensive use.
Joban (Early Game) - The Opening Phase of a Mahjong Round
Learn about Joban in mahjong - the early game phase from deal to around turn 6. Understand hand direction, tile efficiency, and safe tile preparation.
Junchan (Pure Outside Hand) - All Melds with Terminals
Learn about Junchan in mahjong - a 3-han yaku requiring terminals in every meld and pair. Understand the difference from Chanta and building strategies.
K
Kabe (Wall) - Defense Theory Using Visible Tiles
Learn about Kabe in mahjong - the wall theory for safe tile reading. Understand how 4 visible tiles eliminate certain waits and increase safety.
Kakan (Added Kan) - Adding the 4th Tile to a Pon
Learn about Kakan in mahjong - adding a 4th tile to an existing pon. Understand the procedure, chankan risk, and strategic decisions.
Kamicha (Left Player) - The Player on Your Left
Learn about Kamicha in mahjong - the player seated to your left. Understand chi rules, strategic importance, and positional awareness.
Kan (Quad) - The Special 4-Tile Meld
Learn about Kan in mahjong - the special action of forming a 4-tile meld. Understand minkan, ankan, kakan, kandora, and strategic decisions.
Kandora - The Extra Dora from Kan
Learn about Kandora in mahjong - the new dora indicator revealed after a kan. Understand timing, strategy, and risk management.
Kawa (River/Discards) - Reading Opponent Discards
Learn about Kawa (river) in mahjong - where discards are placed. Understand how to read opponents' rivers, find safe tiles, and predict their hands.
Kazehai (Wind Tiles) - East, South, West, North in Mahjong
Learn about Kazehai (wind tiles) in mahjong - the East, South, West, and North honor tiles. Understand when they become yakuhai and how to use them strategically.
Kazoe Yakuman - Reaching 13+ Han for Maximum Points
Learn about Kazoe Yakuman in mahjong - achieving yakuman-level points through 13 or more han from regular yaku combinations.
Keishiki Tenpai - Formal Tenpai Without Winning Tiles
Learn about Keishiki Tenpai in mahjong - a technical tenpai state where winning is impossible but noten penalties are avoided.
Kiken-hai (Dangerous Tiles) - Tiles Likely to Deal In
Learn about Kiken-hai in mahjong - how to identify dangerous tiles with high deal-in risk and when to fold or push.
Ko (Non-Dealer) - The Three Players Who Aren't Dealer
Learn about Ko in mahjong - the non-dealer players, their scoring, positions, and strategic considerations.
Koritsuhai (Isolated Tiles) - Tiles Without Connections
Learn about Koritsuhai in mahjong - isolated tiles with no adjacent connections and how to handle them efficiently.
Kuisagari - Han Reduction When Calling Tiles
Learn about Kuisagari in mahjong - when certain yaku lose 1 han after calling tiles. Understand which yaku are affected and how it impacts your strategy.
Kuitan - Open Tanyao Rule Allowing Called Hands
Learn about Kuitan in mahjong - the rule allowing Tanyao to be completed with called tiles (pon/chi).
M
Manzu (Characters) - The Number Tiles with Chinese Characters
Learn about Manzu (Characters/Wan tiles), one of the three suit tiles in mahjong. Understand the readings, characteristics, and how to use them effectively.
Menzen Tsumo - Winning by Self-Draw Without Calling
Learn about Menzen Tsumo in mahjong - the 1 han yaku for winning by self-draw while keeping a closed hand.
Menzenchin (Closed Hand) - Playing Without Calling
Learn about Menzenchin in mahjong - the state of not calling any tiles and its strategic advantages.
Minkan (Open Kan) - Making a Quad from Opponent's Discard
Learn about Minkan in mahjong - calling kan using an opponent's discarded tile to form a 4-tile meld.
Minkou (Open Triplet) - A Triplet Made by Calling Pon
Learn about Minkou in mahjong - an open triplet formed by calling pon, including fu calculation and comparison with ankou.
N
Nakabukure - Middle-Heavy Shape in Sequence Candidates
Learn about Nakabukure in mahjong - a shape where the middle tile of a sequence candidate is duplicated, reducing efficiency.
Nashi Nashi - Traditional Rules Without Open Tanyao or Atozuke
Learn about Nashi Nashi rules in mahjong - no open tanyao and no atozuke. Understand this traditional ruleset that emphasizes concealed play.
Noten (Not in Tenpai) - When You're Not Ready to Win
Learn about Noten in mahjong - when your hand isn't one tile away from winning. Understand noten penalties, keishiki tenpai, and strategic considerations.
Noten Bappu (No-Ten Penalty) - Payment on Draws
Learn about Noten Bappu in mahjong - the penalty paid by players not in tenpai when a round ends in a draw. Understand calculation and strategic implications.
O
Oorasu (All Last) - The Final Hand of the Game
Learn about Oorasu in mahjong - the last hand of a hanchan where final rankings are decided.
Otoshi (Dropping) - Processing Unwanted Tiles
Learn about Otoshi in mahjong - the technique of discarding unwanted tiles for hand building and defense.
Oya (Dealer) - The Advantaged Position in Mahjong
Learn about Oya (dealer) in mahjong - the player with 1.5x scoring who leads each round. Understand dealer privileges, responsibilities, and strategic implications.
Oya-nagare (Dealer Rotation) - When Dealer's Turn Ends
Learn about Oya-nagare in mahjong - when the dealer rotates to the next player after being noten at exhaustive draw.
P
Pinzu (Circle Tiles) - The Dot Suit in Mahjong
Learn about Pinzu (circle tiles) in mahjong - the suit featuring circular patterns. Understand each tile's design, readings, and how to use them effectively.
Pure Chuuren Poutou (9-Sided Wait) - The Ultimate Yakuman Form
Learn about Pure Chuuren Poutou in mahjong - the 9-sided wait version of Nine Gates. Understand why it's considered double yakuman and its legendary rarity.
R
Renho (Human Win) - First Turn Ron as Non-Dealer
Learn about Renho in mahjong - a rare hand where a non-dealer wins by ron on the first turn before their first draw.
Riipai (Hand Organization) - Arranging Your Tiles
Learn about Riipai in mahjong - organizing your hand tiles for easier reading. Understand proper arrangement methods, strategic considerations, and etiquette.
Rinshan-hai - The Replacement Tile After Kan
Learn about Rinshan-hai in mahjong - the special tile drawn after declaring kan, from the dead wall.
Routouhai (Terminal Tiles) - The 1s and 9s of Each Suit
Learn about Routouhai (terminal tiles) in mahjong - the 1 and 9 tiles of each suit. Understand their characteristics, related yaku, and strategic value.
Ryanpeikou (Double Iipeikou) - Two Identical Sequence Pairs
Learn about Ryanpeikou in mahjong - a 3 han closed hand with two sets of identical sequences.
Ryokei-henka - Transforming Bad Waits into Good Shapes
Learn about Ryokei-henka in mahjong - the technique of improving weak shapes like kanchan into strong ryanmen waits.
Ryuuiisou (All Green) - The Most Beautiful Yakuman
Learn about Ryuuiisou in mahjong - a yakuman made entirely of green tiles (2, 3, 4, 6, 8 of souzu and hatsu).
Ryuukyoku (Exhaustive Draw) - When Nobody Wins
Learn about Ryuukyoku in mahjong - when a hand ends with no winner, including types, tenpai payments, and special draws.
S
Sarashi (Exposed Melds) - Called Tiles on Display
Learn about Sarashi in mahjong - the tiles exposed through pon, chi, or kan calls that reveal information to all players.
Sashikomi (Intentional Deal-In) - Strategic Point Feeding
Learn about Sashikomi in mahjong - the advanced tactic of deliberately dealing into a specific player to control rankings.
Sekinin-barai (Pao) - Responsibility Payment for Yakuman
Learn about Sekinin-barai in mahjong - the rule where enabling certain yakuman through calls makes you responsible for payment.
Shanten (Tiles Away from Tenpai) - Measuring Hand Progress
Learn about Shanten in mahjong - the number of tile changes needed to reach tenpai. Understand how to count shanten and use it strategically.
Shibori (Squeezing) - Blocking Opponent Calls
Learn about Shibori in mahjong - the defensive technique of holding tiles to prevent opponents from completing dangerous hands.
Shimocha (Right Player) - The Player to Your Right
Learn about Shimocha (right player) in mahjong - the player sitting to your right who can chi from your discards. Understand strategic considerations for this position.
Shipai (Shuffling) - Mixing the Tiles
Learn about Shipai (Xiipai) in mahjong - the act of shuffling tiles before each round. Understand proper technique, importance for fairness, and differences between manual and automatic tables.
Shousuushii (Little Four Winds) - Three Wind Triplets Plus Wind Pair
Learn about Shousuushii in mahjong - a yakuman made with 3 wind triplets and 1 wind pair.
Souzu (Bamboo Tiles) - The Stick Suit in Mahjong
Learn about Souzu (bamboo tiles) in mahjong - the suit featuring bamboo stick patterns. Understand each tile's design, the unique 1-sou bird, and strategic considerations.
Sutehai & Kawa - Reading Discards in Mahjong
Learn about Sutehai (discards) and Kawa (discard pond) in mahjong. Understand how to read opponents' hands and find safe tiles from discard patterns.
Suu Kan Tsu (Four Quads) - The Rarest Yakuman in Mahjong
Learn about Suu Kan Tsu, the rarest yakuman in mahjong that requires completing four kan (quads). Understand the conditions, challenges, and why this hand is considered legendary.
Suuankou (Four Concealed Triplets) - The Most Common Yakuman
Learn about Suuankou in mahjong - the yakuman made with 4 concealed triplets, the most frequently achieved limit hand.
Suuankou Tanki - The Ultimate Single-Wait Suuankou
Learn about Suuankou Tanki in mahjong - the rarest form of four concealed triplets with a single tile wait, often worth double yakuman.
Suupai (Number Tiles) - The 1-9 Suited Tiles in Mahjong
Learn about Suupai (number tiles) in mahjong - the manzu, pinzu, and souzu suits numbered 1-9. Understand their readings, values, and how to use them effectively.
T
Tedashi (Playing from Hand) - Choosing Tiles to Discard
Learn about Tedashi in mahjong - discarding tiles from your hand rather than the drawn tile, a key concept for reading opponents.
Tegawari (Hand Transformation) - Improving Waits and Value
Learn about Tegawari in mahjong - the technique of drawing tiles that transform your hand into better shapes or higher value.
Tehai (Hand Tiles) - Your Personal Tiles in Mahjong
Learn about Tehai in mahjong - the tiles each player holds and manages throughout the game.
Tenho (Heavenly Hand) - Winning on the Initial Deal
Learn about Tenho in mahjong - the rarest yakuman where the dealer wins with their initial 14 tiles.
Tenpai-ryou (Tenpai Payment) - Points at Exhaustive Draw
Learn about Tenpai-ryou in mahjong - the point exchange between tenpai and noten players when the hand ends in a draw.
Tezumi (Manual Stacking) - Traditional Tile Shuffling Method
Learn about Tezumi in mahjong - the traditional method of manually shuffling and stacking tiles without an automatic table.
Toimen (Opposite Player) - The Player Across the Table
Learn about Toimen (opposite player) in mahjong - the player sitting directly across from you. Understand the unique strategic considerations for this position.
Tonba (Honba) - Counter Sticks and Point Addition
Learn about Tonba/Honba in mahjong - the counter stick system that adds bonus points during consecutive deals and draws.
Toncha (East 1) - The First Hand of the Game
Learn about Toncha in mahjong - the first hand of the game where the chicha becomes dealer.
Tonpusen (East-Only Game) - Quick Mahjong Format
Learn about Tonpusen (East-only game) in mahjong - a shorter format with only 4 rounds. Understand its rules, strategy differences from hanchan, and when to play it.
Tsumogiri (Discarding the Draw) - Key Reading Information
Learn about Tsumogiri in mahjong - discarding the tile you just drew, an important tell for reading opponents.
Tsuppari (Pushing Through) - Aggressive Attack Strategy
Learn about Tsuppari in mahjong - the aggressive playstyle of pushing forward despite danger.
Tsuuiisou (All Honors) - The Pure Honor Tile Yakuman
Learn about Tsuuiisou in mahjong - the yakuman made entirely of honor tiles (winds and dragons).
U
Uke-ire (Tile Acceptance) - Counting Useful Tiles
Learn about Uke-ire in mahjong - the concept of counting useful tiles that advance your hand.
Uma (Placement Bonus) - Points by Rank
Learn about Uma in mahjong - the bonus points awarded based on final placement. Understand calculation methods, common settings, and strategic implications.
Uradora (Hidden Dora) - Bonus Dora for Riichi Winners
Learn about Uradora in mahjong - the additional dora revealed only when winning with riichi.
W
Wanpai (Dead Wall) - Reserved Tiles in Mahjong
Learn about Wanpai (dead wall) in mahjong - the 14 reserved tiles containing dora indicators and rinshan tiles. Understand its structure and role in the game.
What are Sangenpai
Comprehensive explanation of sangenpai (dragon tiles) in mahjong - white, green, and red. Learn their meaning, characteristics, relationship with yaku, and strategic usage for beginners.
What are Yaochuuhai
Comprehensive explanation of yaochuuhai (terminals and honors) in mahjong. Learn which tiles are included, strategic usage, related yaku for beginners.
Agari
Comprehensive explanation of agari (winning hand), mahjong's ultimate goal. Learn about the basic 4 sets + 1 pair structure, differences between tsumo and ron, yaku requirements, and more for beginners.
Baiman
Comprehensive explanation of baiman, the 8-10 han scoring tier in mahjong. Learn the required han, point values, how to build baiman hands, and occurrence frequency for beginners.
Betaori
Comprehensive explanation of betaori (complete fold), a defensive mahjong tactic. Learn the meaning, methods, when to fold completely, and judgment criteria for beginners.
Chankan
Comprehensive explanation of chankan (robbing the kan) in mahjong, the special yaku for winning when an opponent declares added kan. Learn the conditions, strategic considerations, and the kokushi exception for beginners.
Chi
Comprehensive explanation of chi (calling for sequences), one of mahjong's tile calls. Learn the meaning, method, conditions, merits/demerits, and strategic usage for beginners.
Chiitoitsu
Comprehensive explanation of chiitoitsu (seven pairs) in mahjong, the special 2-han yaku. Learn the conditions, building tips, unique scoring rules, and strategic approaches for beginners.
Chinitsu
Comprehensive explanation of chinitsu (full flush) in mahjong, the 6-han yaku made with only one suit. Learn the conditions, menzen vs called differences, comparison with honitsu, and strategic tips for beginners.
Chinroutou
Comprehensive explanation of chinroutou (all terminals) in mahjong, the yakuman made entirely of 1 and 9 suited tiles. Learn the conditions, differences from honroutou, and strategic tips for beginners.
Daisangen
Comprehensive explanation of daisangen (big three dragons), a mahjong yakuman. Learn requirements for making triplets from all three dragons (white, green, red), responsibility payment rules, and building strategies for beginners.
Daisuushii
Comprehensive explanation of daisuushii (big four winds), one of the most difficult mahjong yakuman. Learn requirements for making triplets from all four winds (East, South, West, North), double yakuman treatment, differences from shousuushii, and building strategies for beginners.
Damaten
Comprehensive explanation of damaten (silent tenpai) in mahjong, including the difference from riichi, advantages and disadvantages, and when to use it for beginners.
Dora
Comprehensive explanation of dora, a crucial mahjong element. Learn the meaning, types (omote-dora, ura-dora, kan-dora, aka-dora), how to read dora indicators, and strategic usage for beginners.
Double Riichi
Comprehensive explanation of double riichi in mahjong, the 2-han yaku for declaring riichi on your very first draw. Learn the conditions, differences from normal riichi, and strategic tips for beginners.
Double Yakuman
Comprehensive explanation of double yakuman in mahjong, special yakuman worth twice the points. Learn conditions for 2x scoring, representative examples like suuankou tanki, junsei chuuren poutou, and daisuushii for beginners.
Fu
Comprehensive explanation of fu (符), important in mahjong scoring. Learn the meaning, calculation method, memorization tips, and more for beginners.
Furiten
Comprehensive explanation of furiten, an important rule in mahjong. Learn the meaning, three types (discard furiten, same-turn furiten, post-riichi furiten), and how to avoid it for beginners.
Fuuro
Comprehensive explanation of fuuro (calling/melding) in mahjong, including meaning, types, advantages and disadvantages, and strategic decision-making for beginners.
Genbutsu
Comprehensive explanation of genbutsu (actual tiles), the foundation of mahjong defense. Learn meaning, absolute safety, defensive methods using genbutsu for beginners.
Gukei Machi
Comprehensive explanation of gukei machi (bad shape wait) in mahjong, including kanchan, penchan, and tanki waits. Learn the characteristics of bad waits and methods to improve them for beginners.
Hai-Koritsu
Comprehensive explanation of hai-koritsu (tile efficiency), the most important mahjong concept. Learn the meaning, basic principles, and improvement methods for beginners.
Haitei
Comprehensive explanation of haitei (last tile) in mahjong. Learn the meaning, rules about the last tile, relationship with haitei moy ue and houtei raoyue for beginners.
Haitei
Comprehensive explanation of haitei moyue (under the sea) in mahjong, the 1-han yaku for winning with the last tile from the wall. Learn the conditions, relationship with haitei, and strategic tips for beginners.
Han
Comprehensive explanation of han (翻), the most important element in mahjong scoring. Learn the meaning, counting method, relationship with yaku, mangan system, and more for beginners.
Haneman
Comprehensive explanation of haneman, the 6-7 han scoring tier in mahjong. Learn the point values, how to build haneman hands, and the difference from mangan for beginners.
Honchantaiyaochuu
Comprehensive explanation of honchantaiyaochuu (chanta), a 2-han mahjong yaku. Learn establishment conditions, building tips, differences from junchan for beginners.
Honitsu
Comprehensive explanation of honitsu (half flush) in mahjong, the 3-han yaku made with one suit plus honor tiles. Learn the conditions, menzen vs called differences, comparison with chinitsu, and strategic tips for beginners.
Honroutou
Comprehensive explanation of honroutou in mahjong, the 2-han yaku made entirely of terminals and honors. Learn the conditions, toitoi combination, differences from chinroutou, and strategic tips for beginners.
Houtei
Comprehensive explanation of houtei raoyui (under the river) in mahjong, the luck yaku for winning on the very last discard. Learn the conditions, differences from haitei, and strategic tips for beginners.
Kanchan Machi
Comprehensive explanation of kanchan machi (closed wait), a mahjong wait pattern. Learn characteristics, how to handle it, riichi judgment, and when to pursue better waits for beginners.
Kanchan
Comprehensive explanation of kanchan (closed wait), a wait shape in mahjong. Learn the meaning, kanchan wait and taatsu characteristics, and how to improve to ryanmen for beginners.
Kantsu
Comprehensive explanation of kantsu (quad), a special set in mahjong. Learn the meaning, types (ankan and minkan), kan procedure, and advantages/disadvantages for beginners.
Kazoe Yakuman
Comprehensive explanation of kazoe yakuman, the counted yakuman achieved with 13+ han in mahjong. Learn the conditions, how to build it, and differences from regular yakuman for beginners.
Kokushi Musou
Comprehensive explanation of kokushi musou (thirteen orphans) in mahjong, the yakuman requiring all 13 terminal and honor tiles. Learn the conditions, 13-sided wait variation, and strategic tips for beginners.
Koutsu
Comprehensive explanation of koutsu (triplet), a type of set in mahjong. Learn the meaning, building methods, difference between ankou and minkou, and yaku using koutsu for beginners.
Mangan
Comprehensive explanation of mangan, a point threshold in mahjong. Learn the point values, requirements, and yaku combinations to achieve mangan for beginners.
Mentsu
Comprehensive explanation of mentsu (sets), a fundamental mahjong building block. Learn the meaning, types (shuntsu, koutsu, kantsu), and efficient building methods for beginners.
Menzen Tsumo
Comprehensive explanation of menzen tsumo (self-draw win from closed hand) in mahjong, the basic 1-han yaku. Learn the conditions, abbreviations, and strategic approaches for beginners.
Menzen
Comprehensive explanation of menzen (closed hand) in mahjong, including meaning, advantages, menzen-only yaku, and strategy for beginners.
Naki
Comprehensive explanation of naki (calling tiles), a fundamental mahjong action. Learn differences between pon, chi, and kan, usage, merits/demerits for beginners.
Oshihiki
Comprehensive explanation of oshihiki (offense-defense judgment), the most critical mahjong skill. Learn meaning, judgment criteria, improvement tips for beginners.
Penchan Machi
Comprehensive explanation of penchan machi (edge wait), a mahjong wait pattern. Learn why it's one of the worst waits, characteristics, effective countermeasures for beginners.
Penchan
Comprehensive explanation of penchan (edge wait), a wait shape in mahjong. Learn the meaning, penchan wait and taatsu characteristics, and efficient handling methods for beginners.
Pinfu
Comprehensive explanation of pinfu (all sequences), a fundamental mahjong yaku. Learn establishment conditions, memorization tips, yaku combinations, and scoring for beginners.
Pon
Comprehensive explanation of pon (calling for triplets), one of mahjong's tile calls. Learn the meaning, usage, timing, merits/demerits, and tactical applications for beginners.
Riichi
Comprehensive explanation of riichi (ready hand), the signature yaku of Japanese mahjong. Learn the meaning, declaration method, merits, demerits, timing, and tactics for beginners.
Rinshan Kaihou
Comprehensive explanation of rinshan kaihou (dead wall draw) in mahjong, the special yaku for winning on the replacement tile after kan. Learn the conditions, kan types, and strategic tips for beginners.
Ron
Comprehensive explanation of ron (winning on discard), a fundamental mahjong term. Learn the meaning, usage, differences from tsumo, conditions, and important points for beginners.
Ryanmen Machi
Comprehensive explanation of ryanmen machi (open wait), the most fundamental mahjong wait pattern. Learn why it's the most efficient, how to build it, and strategic usage for beginners.
Ryanmen
Comprehensive explanation of ryanmen (open-ended wait), the most efficient wait in mahjong, including meaning, how to build ryanmen taatsu and ryanmen wait, and comparison with other waits for beginners.
Ryokei (Good Shape)
Comprehensive explanation of ryokei (good shape) in mahjong, including open-ended waits, characteristics of good waits, differences from bad shapes, and practical usage for beginners.
Sanankou
Comprehensive explanation of sanankou (three concealed triplets) in mahjong, the 2-han yaku for having 3 closed triplets. Learn the conditions, ron considerations, and strategic tips for beginners.
Sanbaiman
Comprehensive explanation of sanbaiman, the 11-12 han scoring tier in mahjong. Learn the required han, point values, how to build sanbaiman hands, and occurrence frequency for beginners.
Sanshoku
Comprehensive explanation of sanshoku doujun (three color straight) in mahjong, the yaku for same sequence in all three suits. Learn the conditions, kuisagari rules, and strategic tips for beginners.
Shanpon Machi
Comprehensive explanation of shanpon machi (double pon wait), a mahjong wait pattern. Learn characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and effective usage for beginners.
Shousangen
Comprehensive explanation of shousangen (little three dragons), a 2-han mahjong yaku. Learn establishment conditions using dragon tiles, building tips, differences from daisangen for beginners.
Shuntsu
Comprehensive explanation of shuntsu (sequence), a type of set in mahjong. Learn the meaning, building methods, difference from koutsu, and efficient sequence building strategies for beginners.
Suji
Comprehensive explanation of suji (intervals), a defensive mahjong theory. Learn the meaning, relationship with ryanmen waits, reading methods, and safety levels for beginners.
Taatsu
Comprehensive explanation of taatsu (incomplete sets) in mahjong, including meaning, types (ryanmen, kanchan, penchan), and efficient taatsu selection for beginners.
Tamen-machi
Comprehensive explanation of tamen-machi (multiple waits) in mahjong, tenpai forms waiting for 3 or more tile types. Learn pattern types, identification methods, and practical applications for beginners.
Tanki Machi
Comprehensive explanation of tanki machi (single wait), a mahjong wait pattern. Learn characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, and effective usage for beginners.
Tanyao
Comprehensive explanation of tanyao (all simples), a fundamental mahjong yaku. Learn establishment conditions, kuitan rules, strategic usage, and more for beginners.
Tenpai
Comprehensive explanation of tenpai (ready hand), a fundamental mahjong term. Learn the meaning, how to identify shapes, types of tenpai, and efficient ways to reach tenpai for beginners.
Toitoi
Comprehensive explanation of toitoi (all triplets) in mahjong, the 2-han yaku for having all triplets. Learn the conditions, differences from chiitoitsu, and strategic tips for beginners.
Toitsu
Comprehensive explanation of toitsu (pair), a basic element in mahjong. Learn the meaning, usage, difference from jantou, and hand building with pairs for beginners.
Tsumo
Comprehensive explanation of tsumo (self-draw), a fundamental mahjong term. Learn the meaning, usage, differences from ron, rules, and scoring for beginners.
Yaku
Comprehensive explanation of yaku (hand patterns), fundamental mahjong rules. Learn the meaning, types, memorization tips, and beginner-recommended yaku.
Yakuhai
Comprehensive explanation of yakuhai (honor triplets), a fundamental mahjong yaku. Learn differences between dragons, round winds, and seat winds, pon timing, and strategic usage for beginners.
Yakuman
Comprehensive explanation of yakuman, the highest scoring hands in mahjong. Learn the types, point values, occurrence probability, and strategies for beginners.
Y
Yama (The Wall) - Where You Draw Tiles in Mahjong
Learn about Yama (the wall) in mahjong - the stacked tiles that players draw from during gameplay. Understand its structure, the dead wall, and strategic considerations.
Yonrenkei (Four-Tile Sequence) - Maximizing Tile Acceptance
Learn about Yonrenkei in mahjong - the efficient four-consecutive-tile shape that provides wide tile acceptance.
Understand the Terms, Become a Mahjong Master
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