How to Play Japanese Mahjong - Riichi Rules & Strategy Guide

What is Japanese Mahjong?

Japanese Mahjong, also known as Riichi Mahjong, is a highly strategic variant that emphasizes complex scoring, defensive play, and the unique riichi declaration. It's the most popular form of mahjong in Japan and has gained international recognition through anime, manga, and competitive play.

                            Key Features of Japanese Mahjong:
                            Riichi declaration system
Dora bonus tiles
Complex han and fu scoring
Furiten rule (sacred discard)
No flowers or seasons
Red fives (optional)

                        

Tile Set and Setup

The 136 Tiles

Japanese mahjong uses 136 tiles (no flowers or seasons):

Man (万子): 1-9, four of each (36 tiles)
Pin (筒子): 1-9, four of each (36 tiles)
Sou (索子): 1-9, four of each (36 tiles)
Winds (風牌): East (�?, South (�?, West (�?, North (�? - 4 each (16 tiles)
Dragons (三元�?: White (�?, Green (�?, Red (�? - 4 each (12 tiles)

Dora Indicator

One tile is flipped as the dora indicator. The next tile in sequence becomes the dora (bonus tile worth 1 han).

🎴 Red Fives

Many modern sets include red fives (one in each suit) that act as dora tiles, adding strategic depth and excitement to the game.

Basic Gameplay

Turn Structure

Draw: Take a tile from the wall
Call (optional): Chi, pon, or kan if applicable
Riichi (optional): Declare riichi if tenpai and concealed
Discard: Place one tile face-up

Valid Combinations

Shuntsu (順子): Three consecutive tiles of the same suit
Koutsu (刻子): Three identical tiles
Kantsu (槓子): Four identical tiles
Jantou (雀�?: A pair of identical tiles

The Riichi Declaration

Riichi is the signature feature of Japanese mahjong. When you're one tile away from winning (tenpai) with a concealed hand, you can declare riichi:

                            Riichi Requirements:
                            Hand must be concealed (no called tiles)
Must be tenpai (one tile away from winning)
Pay 1000 points as a riichi bet
Cannot change your hand after declaration
Turn your discarded tile sideways to mark riichi

                        

Benefits of Riichi

+1 Han: Adds one han to your winning hand
Ippatsu: Chance for +1 han if you win immediately
Ura Dora: Access to additional dora tiles
Riichi Bets: Collect all riichi bets on the table

Scoring System

Japanese mahjong uses a complex han and fu system:

Han (�? - Scoring Elements

Riichi: 1 han
Tsumo (Self-draw): 1 han
Dora: 1 han per dora tile
Tanyao (All simples): 1 han
Pinfu (All sequences): 1 han
Honitsu (Half flush): 3 han
Chinitsu (Full flush): 6 han

Fu (�? - Base Points

Fu represents the base point value, starting at 20 and modified by:

Winning method (tsumo vs ron)
Pair composition (dragons, seat/round wind)
Triplet types (concealed vs exposed, terminals vs simples)
Waiting pattern

📊 Scoring Formula

Basic Score = Fu × 2^(Han+2). The final payment depends on whether you're dealer or not, and if you won by tsumo or ron.

Special Rules

Furiten (振聴)

You cannot win by ron (claiming someone's discard) if:

You've discarded any of your winning tiles
You passed on a winning tile earlier in the turn
You're in temporary furiten from passing a win

Nagashi Mangan

If you discard only terminals and honors throughout a hand that ends in a draw, you score a mangan (8000 points).

Multiple Ron

Multiple players can win off the same discard, with payments made in seat order.

Strategy Tips

🎯 Riichi Timing

Don't always riichi immediately. Consider your hand value, dora potential, and table situation before declaring.

🛡�?Defense First

Japanese mahjong heavily emphasizes defense. Learn to read danger tiles and fold when necessary to avoid dealing in.

🎴 Dora Awareness

Always be aware of dora tiles and their indicators. Dora can dramatically increase your hand value.

�?Speed vs Value

Balance between going for quick, cheap hands and building expensive hands. Context matters more than hand strength.

Cultural Impact

Japanese mahjong has become a cultural phenomenon, featured prominently in anime, manga, and video games. Popular series like "Akagi," "Saki," and "Mudazumo Naki Kaikaku" have introduced the game to new generations worldwide.

                            Modern Japanese Mahjong:
                            Professional leagues with televised matches
Online platforms like Tenhou and Mahjong Soul
University mahjong clubs and tournaments
Integration with anime and gaming culture
International competitive scene

                        