Machi: Difference between revisions

'''Machi''' is the Japanese term for "[[tenpai]] wait patterns".  Given any mahjong hand at any instance, players are waiting for specific tiles either to develop their hands or complete it.  Wait patterns arise during hand development, when mahjong tiles in possession in the hand are in need of other tiles in order to complete ''[[mentsu]]'' (melds) or the entire hand.  Wait patterns during tenpai are of particular interest, simply because that is one of the main goals of hand development.

Many different patterns arise during the course of hand development.  Particularly at tenpai, the specific patterns themselves take on names.  Tenpai is a critical state of the hand, as after all, this is the point where the hand seeks to win.  Therefore, they are of particular interest during tenpai.  Some patterns are so complex, such that it helps knowing the wait patterns, especially when different types may [[Machi#Named combinations|work in conjunction]].  By knowing the different wait patterns, players may be able to determine waiting tiles quickly and more efficiently.  This is especially true when dealing with [[chinitsu]] and even [[honitsu]].