Yaku: Difference between revisions

'''Yaku''' {{kana|役}} are [[List of yaku|specific hand patterns or conditions]] that score points, analogous to [[wikipedia:List of poker hands|poker hands]]. Each yaku is worth a specific amount of [[han]], and multiple yaku can be combined into one hand. Basic mahjong knowledge involves learning the yaku, but it is not expected of new players to know all of them. '''Most importantly, every hand must include at least one yaku in order to count as a winning hand'''.

Each yaku is assigned a han value. Whenever a player wins, their hand's yaku are tallied up, and they score points based on the total amount of han. If a hand has multiple possible interpretations, the highest possible hand is scored.

Different yaku may be implemented into a single hand.  By doing so, the values applied to the different yaku also combine.  In short, they stack.  This aspect of the game is key towards developing larger scoring hands. With [[dora]], the stacking effect becomes even greater.

A list of '''optional yaku''' exist due to the game's complexity, which can further explore possible tile combinations and patterns.  Regardless, the yaku list noted above is the more commonly accepted list.