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[[Image:Saki Yakuman.jpg|350px|thumb|Example hand featuring kans.]]
[[Image:Saki Yakuman.jpg|350px|thumb|Example hand featuring kans.]]
'''Kan''' {{kana|カン}} is a special tile call in the game. This call forms a [[mentsu|tile grouping]] of four identical tiles, called '''kantsu''' {{kana|槓子}}.
'''Kan''' {{kana|カン}} is a special [[naki|tile call]]. This call forms a [[mentsu|tile grouping]] of four identical tiles, called '''kantsu''' {{kana|槓子}}. Just like all tile calls, it is optional.


While appearing as a four-of-a-kind, the tiles used to form kantsu actually function as a [[koutsu|three-of-a-kind]] plus one extra tile. With that in mind, tiles called for kan still interpreted as "triplets" particularly for [[Yaku#Triplet|triplet-based yaku]]], such as [[toitoi]] and [[sanankou]]. For every kan declaration, players are required to take an extra tile draw from the [[dead wall]]. This drawn tile is called the '''[[rinshanpai]]''', or '''dead wall draw'''.  After the kan call and player's discard, then another [[dora|dora indicator]] is revealed.
While it appears as a four-of-a-kind, the tiles used for the kantsu actually function as a [[koutsu|three-of-a-kind]] plus one extra tile. Therefore, the set counts towards the [[Yaku#Triplet|triplet-based yaku]], such as [[toitoi]] and [[sanankou]]. After declaring kan, the player is required to take an extra tile draw from the [[dead wall]]. This drawn tile is called the '''[[rinshanpai]]''', or '''dead wall draw'''.  After the kan call and player's discard, then another [[dora|dora indicator]] is revealed.


The call for kan is a discretionary play, with its own set of rules and restrictions.  The strength of kan play stems from the exclusive access to the dead wall and the revealing of additional dora.  At the same time, kan play is very risky, where other players end up as the benefactors. Therefore, players may decline calling the kan to minimize risk.  Choosing to do so or not, this play does require some assessment; and players are not encouraged to make such calls recklessly.  On the other hand, players may rely on kans, when it is needed.
The main benefits of kan are the revealed kan dora, a draw from the dead wall, and somewhat increased [[fu]] count. However, any of your opponents can also benefit from kan dora, so kan is inherently risky. Therefore, you should [[kan strategy|assess the situation]] before you make a kan.


== Procedure ==
== Procedure ==
Like the other tile calls, kan is also a tile call. However, it comes with special properties and rules. These rules apply when a player possesses or gains possession of four of the same tile; and then the player makes the kan call.
[[Image:Kan timing.png|right|thumb|250px|Difference in [http://tenhou.net/0/?log=2018051409gm-0029-0000-62fe6cf4&tw=2&ts=1 kan dora reveal timing] based on different kan types.]]
Like the other tile calls, kan is also a tile call. However, it comes with special properties and rules. These rules apply when a player possesses or gains possession of four of the same tile; and then the player makes the kan call.


# The player calls "kan".
# The player calls "kan".
# If the kan call involves a shouminkan and the added tile is a winning tile, then [[chankan]] may be applied upon the declaration of another player's winning hand.
# The four identical tiles are shown and are set aside, like an open call. Together, the four tiles now count as one [[Mentsu|tile group]].
# The four identical tiles are shown and are set aside, like an open call. Together, the four tiles now count as one [[Mentsu|tile group]].
# Then, a replacement tile is drawn from the dead wall.  This acts as the replacement tile to maintain the proper hand size for four groups and a pair.
# Then, a replacement tile is drawn from the dead wall.  This acts as the replacement tile to maintain the proper hand size for four groups and a pair.
# If this tile draw completes the hand. then the player may declare a win and claim [[rinshan kaihou]].
# If this tile draw completes the hand. then the player may declare a win and claim [[rinshan kaihou]].
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# If the hand has an additional opportunity to call kan, then the player may do so and invokes another kan process.
# If the hand has an additional opportunity to call kan, then the player may do so and invokes another kan process.
# Otherwise, the turn may end by discarding normally.
# Otherwise, the turn may end by discarding normally.
A special case may involve the yaku, [[chankan]]. If the kan call involves a shouminkan and the added tile is a winning tile for another player, then chankan may be applied upon the declaration of another player's winning hand. In this case, the hand ends before the player even gets to draw the extra tile from the dead wall. Thus, the process of calling kan gets interrupted in favor of another player's winning hand.


=== Kandora timing ===
=== Kandora timing ===
The call for kan reveals additional dora, in the form of [[dora|kandora]]. The timing of this reveal is variable, depending on [[Dora variations|the rule set and/or game platform]].  The simplest rule invokes an immediate reveal upon the declaration; and so, this rule would immediately place the kan reveal after step 1. Others distinguish the timing between open and closed kans. Here, closed kans would be granted an immediate reveal; however, open kans would produce another kandora indicator after the discard, upon conclusion of the kan process at step 8.  Regarding the timing of the kandora, players will need to consult organizational and/or local rules.
The call for kan reveals additional dora in the form of [[dora|kandora]]. The timing of this reveal is variable, depending on [[Dora variations|the rule set and/or game platform]].   
*The simplest rule is to immediately reveal dora after kan. This rule would place to kan reveal right after step 2.
*Many platforms distinguish between open and closed kans. In these rules, closed kans will reveal the kan dora immediately. Open kans will only reveal kan dora after discarding, or after making another kan (i.e. after either step 6 or 7).  


Regarding the timing of the kandora, players will need to consult organizational, tournament, and/or local rules.


==Kan types==
==Kan types==
Kan can occur under three different occasions; and thus, there are three types of kan based on drawing order:
Kan can occur under three different occasions; and thus, there are three types of kan based on drawing order:
*Closed triplet with the fourth tile type discarded
*Closed triplet with the fourth tile type discarded (Daminkan; open kan)
*Open triplet with the fourth tile type drawn
*Open triplet with the fourth tile type drawn (Shouminkan; added kan)
*All four tile types drawn
*All four tile types drawn (Ankan; closed kan)


===Daiminkan===
===Daiminkan===
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A daiminkan may not be made with the last discard of the game, which invokes the follow up procedure to take a [[rinshanpai]].  Because all tiles from the regular wall are used, no replacement tile from the regular wall to the dead wall could be made in order to maintain the dead wall at 14 tiles.  Taking a rinshanpai in this case would reduce the dead wall count to 13, which not acceptable.
A daiminkan may not be made with the last discard of the game, which invokes the follow up procedure to take a [[rinshanpai]].  Because all tiles from the regular wall are used, no replacement tile from the regular wall to the dead wall could be made in order to maintain the dead wall at 14 tiles.  Taking a rinshanpai in this case would reduce the dead wall count to 13, which not acceptable.


Some rules invoke [[Rinshan kaihou#Sekinin barai|sekinin barai]] on a player discarding into the daiminkan.
Some rules invoke [[Sekinin barai#Sekinin barai for rinshan kaihou|sekinin barai]] on a player discarding into the daiminkan.


===Shouminkan===
===Shouminkan===
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:[http://tenhou.net/0/?log=2014101819gm-0009-7448-b5a206e3&tw=0 Example]
:[http://tenhou.net/0/?log=2014101819gm-0009-7448-b5a206e3&tw=0 Example]


'''Shouminkan''' {{kana|小明槓}} is referred as an "added kan", where a player had previously called pon to form a '''minkou''', or open triplet.    Upon drawing the fourth tile, the player may add that tile to the minkou and upgrade it to a shominkan.  If the fourth tile was discarded by another player, it cannot be claimed by kan. The kan dora indicator is flipped at the same time as for a ''daiminkan''.  Another term to describe this kan is '''chakan''' {{kana|加槓}}.
'''Shouminkan''' {{kana|小明槓}} is referred as an "added kan", where a player had previously called pon to form a '''minkou''', or open triplet.    Upon drawing the fourth tile, the player may add that tile to the minkou and upgrade it to a shominkan.  If the fourth tile was discarded by another player, it cannot be claimed by kan. The kan dora indicator is flipped at the same time as for a ''daiminkan''.  Another term to describe this kan is '''kakan''' {{kana|加槓}}.


The player may declare this kan during any turn; and therefore, the player does not need to declare kan immediately at first opportunity.  If the player has just claimed a discarded tile instead of drawing a tile from the wall or the dead wall, then the ability to declare kan is disabled on this turn. The player would have to wait for the next tile draw instead. It is also forbidden to declare a kan while the wall is empty, because the dead wall cannot be replenished.
The player may declare this kan during any turn; and therefore, the player does not need to declare kan immediately at first opportunity.  If the player has just claimed a discarded tile instead of drawing a tile from the wall or the dead wall, then the ability to declare kan is disabled on this turn. The player would have to wait for the next tile draw instead. It is also forbidden to declare a kan while the wall is empty, because the dead wall cannot be replenished.
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:[http://tenhou.net/0/?log=2014032208gm-0009-7447-76e35c74&tw=3&ts=7 Example]
:[http://tenhou.net/0/?log=2014032208gm-0009-7447-76e35c74&tw=3&ts=7 Example]


Also known as a "closed kan", a player may draw all four of a tile type.  Unlike the other two kan types, '''ankan''' {{kana|暗槓}} keeps the hand closed, unless the hand has been opened previously.  Thus, even with an ankan call, the player may still have the option of declaring [[riichi]] upon [[tenpai]], and/or winning the hand via [[mentsumo]].
Also known as a "closed kan", a player may draw all four of a tile type.  Unlike the other two kan types, '''ankan''' {{kana|暗槓}} keeps the hand closed, unless the hand has been opened previously.  Thus, even with an ankan call, the player may still have the option of declaring [[riichi]] even with such a kan call, calling kan during riichi barring restrictions, and/or winning the hand via [[mentsumo]].


Per rule variation, the kandora indicator is flipped immediately with an ankan call, rather than waiting for the player's discard or the rinshan draw.
Per rule variation, the kandora indicator is flipped immediately with an ankan call, rather than waiting for the player's discard or the rinshan draw.


Like a shominkan, an ankan may be declared on any turn while the player holds all four tiles. The same restrictions as for the shominkan apply.  An ankan may not be subject to chankan, except against a [[kokushi]] [[tenpai]], if the rules allow.
Like a shominkan, an ankan may be declared during the player's turn.  As such, the player holds all four tiles. The same restrictions as for the shominkan apply.  An ankan may not be subject to chankan, except against a [[kokushi]] [[tenpai]], if the rules allow.


== Tile arrangements ==
== Tile arrangements ==
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==Multiple kan calls==
==Multiple kan calls==
If in possession with the proper tiles, a player may call kan more than once consecutively.  The extremely rare case of up to four consecutive kan calls within a single turn is possible.
If in possession with the proper tiles, a player may call kan more than once consecutively.  Theoretically, up to 4 kan calls can be made in one turn.


[http://tenhou.net/0/?log=2012090616gm-0009-0000-ef78f6ce&tw=1&ts=6 Example]:
[http://tenhou.net/0/?log=2012090616gm-0009-0000-ef78f6ce&tw=1&ts=6 Example]:
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In this example, kan may be called twice in a row after drawing '''1-man'''.  Both the '''1-man''' and '''south''' may each be called for ''shominkan'', before making a discard.  Naturally, this must be done one at a time, following the proper procedure for kan.
In this example, kan may be called twice in a row after drawing '''1-man'''.  Both the '''1-man''' and '''south''' may each be called for ''shominkan'', before making a discard.  Naturally, this must be done one at a time, following the proper procedure for kan.


As for kan dora, ankan (closed kan) is the only case, where a new indicator is shown immediately after the kan call. Otherwise, the number of kan indicators is one less than the number of kan consecutive calls. In the case of the above example, two added kans were called sequentially; but only one kan dora indicator was shown upon winning the hand.
As for kan dora, this once again depends on the ruleset.
*If a kan dora would be immediately revealed, such as for closed kan, the kan dora is revealed on making the kan.
*If a kan dora would be delayed, such as for an open kan or added kan, a kan dora is revealed after a discard or after the next subsequent kan call.
 
In the case of the above example, two added kans were called sequentially, but only one kan dora indicator was shown upon winning the hand.


== Restrictions ==
== Restrictions ==
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{{main|Riichi}}
{{main|Riichi}}


Kan calls after riichi is possible and may be allowed or disallowed depending on the hand's composition. Under all of these cases, the call for a closed kan is used.  The other two types of kan calls cannot occur, as riichi requires closed hand.
A player may be allowed to call a closed kan during riichi, depending on the hand's composition.
 
Under most professional rulesets, a player is not allowed to call kan if it would change the hand's possible winning tiles, or if it would change any possible interpretation of the hand. If, for any winning tile, any of the three identical tiles can be interpreted as part of a [[shuntsu|sequence]] or part of the pair, the kan is not allowed.


When a riichi declarer holds three identical tiles and draws the fourth after the riichi announcement, the player may form an [[Kan|ankan]] from these tiles instead of discarding the fourth. The hand composition and the possible winning tiles may not change: it is not allowed to declare kan if, for some possible winning tile, any of the three identical tiles may be interpreted as part of a [[shuntsu|sequence]] or part of the pair.
Under some rulesets, such as in [[tenhou.net]] and [[Mahjong Soul]], an alternative is used: so long as a kan does not change the hand's possible winning tiles, the kan is allowed. (I.e., changing the hand interpretation is allowed.)


If a player does declare a kan illegally during riichi, and they call [[ron]] or the game goes to an [[ryuukyoku|exhaustive draw]], then they will be penalized with a [[chombo]] penalty for breaking the rule. If a player is not required to reveal their hand, or if another player wins, they will normally not be penalized.
If a player does declare a kan illegally during riichi, and they call [[ron]] or the game goes to an [[ryuukyoku|exhaustive draw]], then they will be penalized with a [[chombo]] penalty for breaking the rule. If a player is not required to reveal their hand, or if another player wins, they will normally not be penalized.


Of course, a player may outright decline the call for kan and discard the drawn tile.  After all, the play invokes a risk pertaining to the kandora. During a riichi call, the player is defenseless against the benefactors of the new dora.
Of course, even if a kan is allowed, players may choose to decline a kan call. While a player can benefit from kan dora (and kan uradora), so will their opponents.


'''Example 1:'''
'''Example 1:'''
:{{#mjt:3444m778899s333z}} Illegal kan: {{#mjt:4m}} Legal kan: {{#mjt:3z}}.
:{{#mjt:3444m778899s333z}} Illegal kan: {{#mjt:4m}} Legal kan: {{#mjt:3z}}.


It is not allowed to kan the fours. The manzu tiles may either be interpreted as a 3-4 [[Ryanmen|ryanmen]] wait and a 4-4 pair, or as a 4-man ankou with a 3-man [[tanki]] wait. A kan call would alter the wait just for a 3-man tanki. For a legal kan declaration, the three identical tiles would have to be an ankou in any interpretation. Had the player drawn a west wind, he would have been allowed to kan it.
It is not allowed to kan the fours. The manzu tiles may either be interpreted as a 3-4 [[Ryanmen|ryanmen]] wait and a 4-4 pair, or as a 4-man ankou with a 3-man [[tanki]] wait. Overall, the hand waits for 2-5-3 man. A kan call would invalidate the 3-4 ryanmen, turning the hand into just a 3-man tanki. Thus, it is forbidden. It is allowed to kan the west winds, since they would be considered an ankou no matter which tile is won.


'''Example 2:'''
'''Example 2:'''
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'''Example 3:'''
'''Example 3:'''
:{{#mjt:3335666p111456s}} Illegal kan: {{#mjt:36p}}
:{{#mjt:3335666p111456s}} Potentially illegal kan: {{#mjt:3p}} Illegal kan: {{#mjt:6p}}  
 
Here, the waits are 457p. A kan on 6p would remove the 7p wait, so it is obviously not permitted.


Here, the waits are 457p. A kan on 6p would remove the 7p wait, so it is obviously not permitted. A kan on the 3p would not change the waits, however, if the hand was won with 4p, the hand could be interpreted as:
A kan on the 3p would not change the waits. However, if the hand was won with 4p, the hand could be interpreted as:


:{{#mjt:33p}} {{#mjt:345p}} {{#mjt:666p}} {{#mjt:111s}} {{#mjt:456s}}
:{{#mjt:33p}} {{#mjt:345p}} {{#mjt:666p}} {{#mjt:111s}} {{#mjt:456s}}


In this case, the 3p does not form a [[koutsu|triplet]], but rather a pair and a part of a sequence. A kan on the 3p would remove this potential interpretation of the hand, and is therefore forbidden.
In this case, the 3p does not form a [[koutsu|triplet]], but rather a pair and a part of a sequence. A kan on the 3p would remove this potential interpretation of the hand, and therefore may be forbidden (depending on ruleset).


'''Example 4:'''
'''Example 4:'''
:{{#mjt:222333444p23m11z}} Illegal kan: {{#mjt:2p}} {{#mjt:3p}} or {{#mjt:4p}}
:{{#mjt:222333444p23m11z}} Potentially illegal kan: {{#mjt:2p}} {{#mjt:3p}} or {{#mjt:4p}}


In this example, a kan declaration does not change the wait, but it does change the possible interpretations of the hand. The pinzu section can be interpreted either as three consecutive triplets or three identical sequences :  
In this example, a kan declaration does not change the wait, but it does change the possible interpretations of the hand. The pinzu section can be interpreted either as three consecutive triplets or three identical sequences :  
:{{#mjt:222p}} {{#mjt:333p}} {{#mjt:444p}} or {{#mjt:234p}} {{#mjt:234p}} {{#mjt:234p}}
:{{#mjt:222p}} {{#mjt:333p}} {{#mjt:444p}} or {{#mjt:234p}} {{#mjt:234p}} {{#mjt:234p}}
In this case, a kan call on any of the pinzus would leave only the three triplets interpretation possible. Thus, any of these kan is deemed illegal after riichi, even though it doesn't change the waits.
In this case, a kan call on any of the pinzus would leave only the three triplets interpretation possible. Thus, any of these kan would be deemed illegal after riichi (depending on ruleset).


===Last tile===
===Last tile===
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{{Main|Tochuu ryuukyoku}}
{{Main|Tochuu ryuukyoku}}


This is an "abortive draw", regarding kan calls.  From the dead wall, only four tiles can be used for the extra draw, or '''rinshanpai'''.  The remaining tiles from the dead wall are used as dora indicators, or they are tile replacements from the regular wall.  Neither of these two tile type can be used in play.  As a result, the limit of kan calls for a hand session is set to four.  After the fourth kan call, the [[hanchan|kyoku]] (hand session) ends after the discard, barring that discard cannot be called for a win.   
This is an "abortive draw" regarding kan calls.  From the dead wall, only four tiles can be used for the extra draw, or '''rinshanpai'''.  The remaining tiles from the dead wall are used as dora indicators, or they are tile replacements from the regular wall.  Neither of these two tile type can be used in play.  As a result, the limit of kan calls for a hand session is set to four.  After the fourth kan call, the [[hanchan|kyoku]] (hand session) ends after the [[rinshan]] draw and subsequent discard.   


However, an exception is made for players with [[suukantsu]] tenpai.  After the fourth kan call, the game continues giving the player a chance to score the yakuman. Other than another player winning, this chance may be abruptly ended with a fifth call for a kan; and the hand ends immediately.<ref>https://youtu.be/eds4GAKPlOc?t=5m7s</ref> Otherwise, the game may continue to [[ryuukyoku]].
However, an exception is made for players with [[suukantsu]] tenpai.  After the fourth kan call, the game continues, giving the player a chance to score the yakuman. Under many rulesets, the other players are not allowed to call a fifth kan to invoke the abortive draw. Some [[rule variations]] may allow a fifth kan to immediately end the game in a draw, though.<ref>https://youtu.be/eds4GAKPlOc?t=5m7s</ref> If this rule variation is used, the fifth-kan draw happens before [[chankan]] and [[rinshan]] can happen.


== Yaku ==
== Yaku ==
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[[Image:NewKan.png|right|thumb|250px|This hand was suddenly upgraded by 3-han with the call of the [[sangenpai|haku]] kan. [http://tenhou.net/0/?log=2014072816gm-0089-0000-10a06ac7&tw=3&ts=7].]]
[[Image:NewKan.png|right|thumb|250px|This hand was suddenly upgraded by 3-han with the call of the [[sangenpai|haku]] kan. [http://tenhou.net/0/?log=2014072816gm-0089-0000-10a06ac7&tw=3&ts=7].]]
The nature of [[dora|kan dora]] makes the call for kan a risky maneuver.  With this in mind, some quick assessment is needed before making such a call.
The nature of [[dora|kan dora]] makes the call for kan inherently risky.  With this in mind, some quick assessment is needed before making such a call.


== References ==
== References ==
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