Toitoihou: Difference between revisions

Naturally, this yaku is reasonable to go for with many triplets and/or pairs. However, toitoi often looks easier than it actually is. There are only 2 tiles that can convert a pair into a triplet (4 tiles in the game, -2 already in hand = 2 tiles left); there are 8 tiles that can convert a [[ryanmen]] into a sequence. While pon can turn pairs into triplets, the tiles needed to pon may not be discarded. The 2 tiles could be in the [[dead wall]], or used in an opponent's hand.

Pairs made out of middle tiles (tiles from 3-7) are particularly hard to pon, because middle tiles are generally more likely to be kept in an opponent's hand. When there are multiple pairs made out of middle tiles, this yaku becomes slower to complete. In addition, a hand with many pairs can also form [[chiitoitsu]].  

Some (rough) rules of thumb between toitoi and chitoitsu are:

*With 4 pairs and one turns into a sequence or triplet, it is often best to go for the regular hand structure. This may or may not be toitoi. Exception: if the hand is entirely disconnected except for the single sequence/group, then go chiitoitsu.

*With 5 pairs, chiitoitsu is preferred. Keeping the option for toitoi is fine (e.g. 4 pairs, 1 triplet, 2 lone tiles. The hand can turn into chiitoi if you discard the triplet, can toitoi if you pon) so long as the pairs are reasonable to pon.

*With 4-5 pairs, and one of the pairs cannot be turned into a triplet, because both remaining tiles of the pair are [[Kabe#Visible TIles|visible]], then favor chiitoitsu.