Defense: Difference between revisions

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== General overview ==
== General overview ==
Defense is part of the game's learning curve. Typically, beginners may not be aware of defense, due to a greater focus towards general hand development and memorization of [[yaku]]. In the early stages of learning, a player may prioritize winning, since winning gives points. This is to some extent true, since you'll need to win at least one hand to finish first. However, it it not necessary to win every single hand to win a game.
Defense is part of the game's learning curve. Typically, beginners may not be aware of defense, as guides often focus on general [[tile efficiency|hand development]] and memorization of [[yaku]]. In the early stages of learning, a player may prioritize winning, since winning gives points. This is to some extent true, since you'll need to win at least one hand to finish first. However, it it not necessary to win every single hand to win a game.


Eventually, players learn the importance of minimizing deal-ins. Much less points are lost via tsumo or tenpai settlements than with deal-ins. In many instances, the points you lose matter more towards placement than the points you've gained. Still, a player has to produce hands, but they should know when to attack and when to defend.
Eventually, players learn the importance of minimizing deal-ins. Much less points are lost via tsumo or tenpai settlements than with deal-ins. In many instances, the points you lose matter more towards placement than the points you've gained. Still, a player has to produce hands, but they should know when to attack and when to defend.
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===Sakigiri===
===Sakigiri===
{{main|Sakigiri}}
{{main|Sakigiri}}
'''Sakigiri''' is the act of discarding tiles before they become dangerous, usually at a cost of [[tile efficiency]] (hand speed).
'''Sakigiri''' is the act of discarding tiles before they become dangerous. When sakigiri is mentioned, it usually comes at the cost of [[tile efficiency]] (hand speed).


Players will often receive at least one tile that another player could've won with. Sometimes, you can get those "winning" tiles before an opponent reaches tenpai. By discarding those tiles before opponent tenpai, it won't be dangerous. This technique is best done when you don't care about winning (e.g. you have a cheap hand). You could also use the tile in your hand, or [[betaori|fold]] by never dealing said tiles.
Players will often receive at least one tile that another player could've won with. Sometimes, you can get those "winning" tiles before an opponent reaches tenpai. By discarding those tiles before opponent tenpai, it won't be dangerous. This technique is best done when you don't care about winning (e.g. you have a cheap hand). You could also use the tile in your hand, or [[betaori|fold]] by never dealing said tiles.
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Tiles towards the middle of the "blockade", such as 4-pin or 5-pin when all four 3-pin are visible, are not much safer, similar to how half suji are not much safer.
Tiles towards the middle of the "blockade", such as 4-pin or 5-pin when all four 3-pin are visible, are not much safer, similar to how half suji are not much safer.


Like suji, other waits (waits that are not sequences) are still possible. Kabe is comparable to suji (though kabe is safer), and should be used in a similar fashion.
Like suji, other waits - specifically, waits that are not sequences - are still possible. It is also possible to target 3 or 7 with a [[penchan]]. Overall, kabe is comparable to suji (though kabe is safer), and should be used in a similar fashion.


==The ways of defense and offense==
==The ways of defense and offense==
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{{main|Betaori}}
{{main|Betaori}}


'''Betaori''' is pure defense - it focuses on discarding nothing but safe tiles. In this state, a player has completely abandoned all hope of developing a winning hand, only trying to minimize the chance of dealing in. At times, even a player achieving a tenpai hand may need to completely break the tenpai for avoidance. The essence of betaori is to always discard the safest tile first. Suji tiles or even hell wait only honors shouldn't be discarded before any genbutsu tiles.
'''Betaori''' ("folding") is pure defense - it focuses on discarding nothing but safe tiles. In this state, a player has completely abandoned all hope of developing a winning hand, only trying to minimize the chance of dealing in. At times, it may be needed to break [[tenpai]] for defense. The essence of betaori is to always discard the safest tile first. Even suji and hell-wait honor tiles should not be discarded before genbutsu.


===Kanzen shinko===
===Kanzen shinko===
'''Kanzen shinko''' is the way of complete offense. A player basically ignores the opposing tenpai and proceeds to attack normally. It can be used with a very strong hand, a situation where a win is required, or in any case where the hand contains very few safe tiles. In the last case, one can switch to betaori if tiles in the hand become safe.
'''Kanzen shinko''' ("pushing") is the way of complete offense. A player basically ignores the opposing tenpai and proceeds to attack normally. It can be used with a very strong hand, a situation where a win is required, or in any case where the hand contains very few safe tiles. In the last case, one can switch to betaori if tiles in the hand become safe.


===Mawashi uchi===
===Mawashi uchi===
'''Mawashi uchi''' is a half-way style. A player will aim to discard relatively safe tiles while still aiming for tenpai.  Discardable tiles include honors, suji tiles and no-chance kabe tiles. From this state a player may fall back to betaori upon drawing dangerous tiles, or attack when reaching tenpai. This style is not recommended for beginners, and even for experienced players, it should not be used often. It is appropriate to use when in a good shape iishanten for a strong hand.
'''Mawashi uchi''' is a half-way style. A player will aim to discard relatively safe tiles while still aiming for tenpai.  Discardable tiles include honors, suji tiles and no-chance kabe tiles. From this state a player may fall back to betaori upon drawing dangerous tiles, or attack when reaching tenpai. This style is not recommended for beginners due to requiring strong push/fold judgement (it is easy to discard recklessly, claiming it's "mawashi"). It is most appropriate to use when in a good shape iishanten for a strong hand.


==External links==
==External links==
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