Penchan: Difference between revisions

Penchans are generally considered to be a bad shape, or unfavorable pattern. The limit stems from the need of only one tile type for completion. This limitation renders the pattern difficult for [[tile efficiency|tile development]].  For a 1-2 penchan, the 4 of the same suit is a useful tile, on which the 1 may be discarded. A 2-4 shape can be completed with only one tile still, but it can be turned into the [[ryanmen]] 4-5 by drawing the 5 and discarding the 2, if necessary.  In short, penchan offers a limited ability to alter the wait pattern, if a need arises, especially for a case of [[karaten]], when all four tile types are not available.

=== Best uses ===

The pattern is generally weak in terms of the number of tiles needed for completion.  However, the pattern may be strengthened with the use of [[suji]]. A discarded 6 tile may signal the 3 tile as safe for the other players. In the case of waiting for a 7 tile, then the 4 would be discarded. For either case, players may utilize penchan to "suji bait" other players into discarding seemingly safe tiles, when in fact they're the winning tiles.

Both [[chanta]] and [[junchan]] may particularly, but not necessarily, be using penchan waits.  Both these yaku rely on tiles near the ends (1,2,3) and (7,8,9).  Not always but often enough, they end up using penchan waits during development and at tenpai.