Defense: Difference between revisions

Defense is part of the game's learning curve.  Typically, beginner players may not be aware of defensive play, due to greater focus devoted towards general hand development and memorization of [[yaku]].  In the early stages of the learning curve, players may consider the prospect of generating points from developing hands as a means of procuring winning games.  In most other activities, this pretense is true.  Eventually, players learn the importance of minimizing point losses, especially via ron.  Point losses via [[tsumo]] or [[ryuukyoku]] are minimal, and they're easily reclaimed with relatively easy winning hands.  Especially in the case of tsumo, point losses are shared among all the players, rather than one bearing the brunt of the entire opposing hand's point value.  In many instances, points lost rather than points gained during the game determines the outcome for a player.  Of course, a player still has to produce hands in order to maintain contention.