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'''Yaku''' (役) are specific hand patterns or conditions needed in order to score a hand.  In a sense, they are synonymous to "poker hands".  Yet, unlike poker hands, yaku are worth specific "[[scoring|han values]]"; and various yaku may be combined together into one hand. basic mahjong knowledge involves learning the yaku, but it is not expected of new players to know them.
'''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'''.


==The list==
==Han==
{{main|List of yaku}}
{{main|Scoring}}


This is a quick, short list of the yaku.
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.


===Yaku===
===Open vs closed===
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="100%"
{{main|Menzenchin#Yaku}}
!width=10%|Japanese
A hand is considered open if it makes a [[tile call]] from another player's discard. These include [[chii]], [[pon]], and open [[kan]]. Otherwise, it is closed.
!width=10%|Kanji
!width=10%|English
!width=70%|Explanation
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Menzenchin tsumohou|Menzen tsumo]]
| Kanji      = 門前清自摸和
| English  = 
| Explanation = This yaku may apply to any closed hand.  Any player who draws a winning tile with a closed hand is awarded this yaku.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Riichi]]
| Kanji      = 立直
| English  = 
| Explanation = This is a special yaku applied to closed tenpai hands, which requires the player to make a declaration and "wager".
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Riichi#Ippatsu|Ippatsu]]
| Kanji      = 一発
| English  = 
| Explanation = This is applied when the player calling riichi wins within 4 tile draws/discards.  In addition, the cycle must not be interrupted by tile calls.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    =[[Pinfu]]
| Kanji      = 平和
| English  = 
| Explanation = Typically known as "all sequences", this is a hand that does not gain fu based on composition, other than that of a closed ron.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    =[[Iipeikou]]
| Kanji      = 一盃口
| English  = 
| Explanation = This hand includes two identical sequences.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    =[[Haitei raoyue]]
| Kanji      = 海底撈月
| English  = 
| Explanation = The hand is completed with the last tile on the wall.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Houtei raoyui]]
| Kanji      = 河底撈魚
| English  = 
| Explanation = The hand is completed with the very last discarded tile.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Rinshan kaihou]]
| Kanji      = 嶺上開花
| English  = 
| Explanation = This yaku is awarded upon winning with a tile from the dead wall.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Chankan]]
| Kanji      = 搶槓
| English  = 
| Explanation = The winning tile for a hand is called on another player's Kan. Essentially, the tile needed to complete a Kan is stolen to complete a winning hand.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Tanyao]]
| Kanji      = 断幺九
| English  = 
| Explanation = A hand composed of only inside (numbers 2-8) tiles
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Yakuhai]]
| Kanji      = 役牌
| English  = 
| Explanation = A hand with at least one group of dragon tiles, seat wind, or round wind tiles.  This hand can be valued at 1 han for each group.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Riichi#Double_riichi|Double riichi]]
| Kanji      = ダブルリーチ
| English  = 
| Explanation = Riichi is declared with a dealt hand before the first discard.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Chantaiyao|Chanta]]
| Kanji      = 全帯幺九
| English  =   
| Explanation = All melds contain at least 1 terminals or honor.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Sanshoku doujun|Sanshoku]]
| Kanji      = 三色同順
| English  =   
| Explanation = Three sequences have the same number across the three different suits.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Ittsu]]
| Kanji      = 一通貫
| English  = 
| Explanation = This hand has a complete sequence of 1 through 9 of a single suit.  As a note, the sequence of 1-9 are actually three groups of sequences numbered 123, 456, and 789.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Toitoi]]
| Kanji      = 対々
| English  = 
| Explanation = The entire hand is composed of triplets.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Sanankou]]
| Kanji      = 三暗刻
| English  = 
| Explanation = The hand includes three sets of triplets that have been formed without calling any tiles. The fourth set can be an open triplet or sequence.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Sanshoku doukou]]
| Kanji      = 三色同刻
| English  = 
| Explanation = The hand includes three groups of triplets with the same number.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Sankantsu]]
| Kanji      = 三槓子
| English  = 
| Explanation = Three kans are called for this hand.
}}
{{term list | Romaji    = [[Chiitoitsu]]  
| Kanji      = 七対子
| English  = 
| Explanation = This hand is composed of seven pairs.  It is one of two exceptions to the standard 4 melds and a pair pattern.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Honroutou]]
| Kanji      = 混老頭
| English  = 
| Explanation = The hand is composed of nothing but all terminals and honors.<br>† This hand may be considered as 4 han, because it is impossible to score this hand without either chii toitsu or toi toi.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Shousangen]]
| Kanji      = 小三元
| English  =
| Explanation = The hand contains two sets of 3 dragon tiles and a pair of the third dragon tiles.<br>† This hand may be considered as 4 han, because it is impossible to score this hand without two sets of yakuhai, from the two sets of dragons.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Honitsu]]
| Kanji      = 混一色
| English  =   
| Explanation =This is a single suit hand mixed with some honor tiles.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Junchan taiyao|Junchan]]
| Kanji      = 純全帯么
| English  =   
| Explanation =All sets contain at least one terminal.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Ryanpeikou]]
| Kanji      = 二盃口
| English  = 
| Explanation =This hand has two sets of "[[Iipeikou|iipeikou]]".  This hand does not combine with chii toitsu, even though the hand can be interpreted as one.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Chinitsu]]
| Kanji      = 清一色
| English  =   
| Explanation = This hand is composed entirely of tiles from only one of the three suits.  It is the only yaku set at 6 han, where the number drops to 5 han when opened.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Nagashi mangan]]
| Kanji      = 流し満貫
| English  = 
| tilepattern =
| Explanation = All the discards are terminals and/or honors.  In addition, none of these discards were called by other players.
}}
|}<!--Do not delete this line-->


===Yakuman===
Some yaku can only be scored closed; they are invalidated when the hand opens. Other yaku reduce in value if part of an open hand. The rest of the yaku score the same regardless if a hand is open or closed.
 
==Nomi==
'''Nomi''' {{kana|ノミ}} is a hand that contains only one yaku and no [[dora]]. For example, '''riichi nomi''' {{kana|リーチノミ}} means "riichi only". The term is mostly used for low value yaku, like [[tanyao]] and [[pinfu]]. It is acceptable to use it for higher value yaku, like [[chinitsu]], but this is rarely done. The term is not used for [[yakuman]], due to their value.
 
== Yaku types ==
[[Image:Yaku example 00.png|right|250px]]
[[Image:Yaku example 01.png|right|250px]]
[[Image:Yaku example 02.png|right|250px]]
[[Image:Yaku example 03.png|right|250px]]
[[Image:Yaku example 04.png|right|250px]]
[[Image:Yaku example 05.png|right|250px]]
[[Image:Yaku example 06.png|right|250px]]
[[Image:Yaku example 07.png|right|250px]]
The different yaku focus on different types of patterns and circumstances.  They are mostly derived from the tiles within one's hand.  A number of yaku also involve the state of one's hand pertaining to the timing of certain tile draws and discards.
 
===Riichi===
A player can choose to declare [[riichi]] with any closed hand that is [[tenpai]] (one tile away from winning).
 
* [[Riichi]]
: Any closed hand in tenpai may choose to declare riichi, scoring this yaku.
* [[Double riichi]]
: A riichi on your first turn is a double riichi, which is worth more points.
* [[Ippatsu]]
: After declaring riichi, if you win by your next tile draw, you score this yaku. (Invalidated if anyone makes a [[tile call]].)
 
=== Win location based ===
These yaku are dependent on how you win the hand. These yaku can allow otherwise "yakuless" hands to win.
 
'''Discard based'''
* [[Chankan]]
:Winning with a tile used for an [[shouminkan|added kan]] by another player.
* [[Houtei raoyui]]
:Winning off of the last possible discarded tile for the hand.
 
'''Draw based'''
* [[Haitei raoyue]]
:Winning with the last tile draw.
* [[Menzenchin tsumohou]]
:Drawing the winning tile with a closed hand.
* [[Rinshan kaihou]]
:Drawing a winning tile after a kan call.
 
=== Honor based ===
These yaku depend on the use of [[honor]] tile groups. These may be mixed with number tiles.
 
* [[Honitsu]]
: All tiles are the same suit or honor tiles.
* [[Honroutou]]
: All tiles are honor or terminal tiles.
* [[Shousangen]]
: Two [[dragon]] triplets, and a pair of the third dragon.
* [[Tanyao]]
:No honors or terminals are used.
* [[Yakuhai]]
:A triplet of: your [[Jikaze|seat wind]], the round wind, or any dragon.
 
=== Sequential ===
These yaku require [[shuntsu|sequential]] tile groups.
 
* [[Iipeikou]]
: Two identical sequences (two sequences with same suit and numbers).
* [[Ittsu]]
: A complete string of 1-9 tiles, arranged into sequences of: 123, 456, and 789.
* [[Pinfu]]
: Every tile group must be a sequence (among other conditions).
* [[Ryanpeikou]]
: "Two iipeikou"; two sets of identical sequences.
* [[Sanshoku]]
: Three identically numbered sequences, one of each suit.
 
=== Terminal based ===
These yaku revolve around [[terminal]], or complete lack thereof.
 
* [[Chanta]]
:Every tile group, including the pair, has an honor or terminal.
* [[Honroutou]]
:Every tile is an honor or terminal.
* [[Junchan]]
:Every tile group, including the pair, has an honor or terminal.
* [[Nagashi mangan]]
:Every discarded tile is either a [[terminal]] or [[honor]]
* [[Tanyao]]
:No terminals or honors are used.
 
=== Triplet based ===
These yaku require at least one [[Koutsu|triplet]] in order to be valid. [[Kan|Quads]] count as triplets for these yaku, but triplets don't count as quads.
* [[Sanankou]]
: Three closed triplets.
* [[Sankantsu]]
: Three [[kan|quads]].
* [[Sanshoku doukou]]
: Three identically numbered triplets across the three suits.
* [[Shousangen]]
: Two [[dragon]] triplets, and a pair of the third dragon.
* [[Toitoi]]
: Every tile group is a triplet.
* [[Yakuhai]]
:A triplet of: your [[Jikaze|seat wind]], the round wind, or any dragon.
 
=== Suit based ===
 
* [[Honitsu]]
: All tiles are the same suit or honor tiles.
* [[Chinitsu]]
: All tiles are the same suit.
 
=== Yakuman ===
{{main|Yakuman}}
{{main|Yakuman}}
Yakuman is a special class of yaku, by which the pattern itself is awarded the maximum point limit for a single hand pattern.  These are among the most difficult to complete; and players may treat them as special.


This is a specific set of "yaku", known as '''yakuman'''. 
== Combining yaku ==
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="100%"
{{main|Yaku compatibility}}
!width=10%|Japanese
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.
!width=10%|Kanji
 
!width=10%|English
== Optional yaku ==
!width=70%|Explanation
{{main|Optional yaku}}
{{term list
 
| Romaji    = [[Kazoe yakuman]]
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.
| Kanji      = 数え役満
 
| English  = 
== See Also ==
| Explanation = This is a special class of yakuman, where a hand is composed of 13+ han based on the combination of above regular yaku and/or [[Dora|dora]].
 
}}
* [[List of yaku]]
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Kokushi musou]]
| Kanji      = 国士無双 or 国士無双１３面待ち
| English  =  
| Explanation = This hand has one of each of the 13 different terminal and honor tiles plus one extra terminal or honour tile.  Some rules may allow double yakuman for a 13-wait set.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Suuankou]]
| Kanji      = 四暗刻 or 四暗刻単騎
| English  =  
| Explanation = This hand is composed of four sets of closed triplets.  When this hand has a shanpon pattern and the win is via ron, then it would not be counted as suu ankou.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Daisangen]]
| Kanji      = 大三元
| English  =  
| Explanation = This has possesses three groups of all the dragons.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Kaze yakuman|Shousuushi]]  
| Kanji      = 小四喜
| English  = 
| Explanation = This hand has three groups of the wind tiles plus a pair of the fourth kind.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Kaze yakuman|Daisuushi]]
| Kanji      = 大四喜
| English  =
| Explanation = This hand has four groups of all four wind tiles.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Tsuuiisou]]
| Kanji      = 字一色
| English  = 
| Explanation = Every group of tiles are composed of honor tiles.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Chinroutou]]
| Kanji      = 清老頭
| English  = 
| Explanation = Every group of tiles are composed of terminal tiles.
}}
{{term list  
| Romaji    = [[Ryuuiisou]]
| Kanji      = 緑一色
| English  = 
| Explanation = A hand composed entirely of green tiles: 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 Sou and/or Hatsu.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Chuuren poutou]]
| Kanji      = 九連宝燈 or 純正九蓮宝燈
| English  =  
| Explanation = A hand consisting of the tiles 1112345678999 in the same suit plus any one extra tile of the same suit.
}}
{{term list  
| Romaji    = [[Suukantsu]]
| Kanji      = 四槓子
| English  = 
| Explanation = This hand with four Kan's.
}}
{{term list | Romaji    = [[Tenhou (yakuman)|Tenhou]]
| Kanji      = 天和
| English  =
| Explanation = The dealer hand is a winning hand even before discarding a tile.
}}
{{term list
| Romaji    = [[Chiihou]]
| Kanji      = 地和
| English  = 
| Explanation = The non-dealer hand is a winning hand after the first draw.
}}
|}<!--Do not delete this line-->


==External links==
==External links==
 
{{jpwiki|役_(麻雀)}}
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Mahjong_yaku Japanese mahjong yaku]
: Wikipedia listing
* [http://tenhou.net/sc/prof.html Yaku frequency among Tenhou.net players] ''(Japanese)''
* [http://tenhou.net/sc/prof.html Yaku frequency among Tenhou.net players] ''(Japanese)''
:Lists all the yaku occurrences in [[Tenhou.net]] by percentages and by room
:Lists all the yaku occurrences in [[Tenhou.net]] by percentages and by room
Line 273: Line 145:
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Yaku]]
[[Category:Yaku]]
 
[[Category:Scoring]]
{{Navbox yaku}}
{{Navbox yaku}}
{{Navbox yaku replays}}

Revision as of 01:08, 10 August 2024

Yaku 「役」 are specific hand patterns or conditions that score points, analogous to 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.

Han

Main article: Scoring

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.

Open vs closed

Main article: Menzenchin#Yaku

A hand is considered open if it makes a tile call from another player's discard. These include chii, pon, and open kan. Otherwise, it is closed.

Some yaku can only be scored closed; they are invalidated when the hand opens. Other yaku reduce in value if part of an open hand. The rest of the yaku score the same regardless if a hand is open or closed.

Nomi

Nomi 「ノミ」 is a hand that contains only one yaku and no dora. For example, riichi nomi 「リーチノミ」 means "riichi only". The term is mostly used for low value yaku, like tanyao and pinfu. It is acceptable to use it for higher value yaku, like chinitsu, but this is rarely done. The term is not used for yakuman, due to their value.

Yaku types

The different yaku focus on different types of patterns and circumstances. They are mostly derived from the tiles within one's hand. A number of yaku also involve the state of one's hand pertaining to the timing of certain tile draws and discards.

Riichi

A player can choose to declare riichi with any closed hand that is tenpai (one tile away from winning).

Any closed hand in tenpai may choose to declare riichi, scoring this yaku.
A riichi on your first turn is a double riichi, which is worth more points.
After declaring riichi, if you win by your next tile draw, you score this yaku. (Invalidated if anyone makes a tile call.)

Win location based

These yaku are dependent on how you win the hand. These yaku can allow otherwise "yakuless" hands to win.

Discard based

Winning with a tile used for an added kan by another player.
Winning off of the last possible discarded tile for the hand.

Draw based

Winning with the last tile draw.
Drawing the winning tile with a closed hand.
Drawing a winning tile after a kan call.

Honor based

These yaku depend on the use of honor tile groups. These may be mixed with number tiles.

All tiles are the same suit or honor tiles.
All tiles are honor or terminal tiles.
Two dragon triplets, and a pair of the third dragon.
No honors or terminals are used.
A triplet of: your seat wind, the round wind, or any dragon.

Sequential

These yaku require sequential tile groups.

Two identical sequences (two sequences with same suit and numbers).
A complete string of 1-9 tiles, arranged into sequences of: 123, 456, and 789.
Every tile group must be a sequence (among other conditions).
"Two iipeikou"; two sets of identical sequences.
Three identically numbered sequences, one of each suit.

Terminal based

These yaku revolve around terminal, or complete lack thereof.

Every tile group, including the pair, has an honor or terminal.
Every tile is an honor or terminal.
Every tile group, including the pair, has an honor or terminal.
Every discarded tile is either a terminal or honor
No terminals or honors are used.

Triplet based

These yaku require at least one triplet in order to be valid. Quads count as triplets for these yaku, but triplets don't count as quads.

Three closed triplets.
Three quads.
Three identically numbered triplets across the three suits.
Two dragon triplets, and a pair of the third dragon.
Every tile group is a triplet.
A triplet of: your seat wind, the round wind, or any dragon.

Suit based

All tiles are the same suit or honor tiles.
All tiles are the same suit.

Yakuman

Main article: Yakuman

Yakuman is a special class of yaku, by which the pattern itself is awarded the maximum point limit for a single hand pattern. These are among the most difficult to complete; and players may treat them as special.

Combining yaku

Main article: Yaku compatibility

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.

Optional yaku

Main article: Optional yaku

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.

See Also

External links

Yaku in Japanese Wikipedia
Wikipedia listing
Lists all the yaku occurrences in Tenhou.net by percentages and by room
Pointing out which yaku to learn first
Closed only Yaku - 1 han
Yaku - 1 han
Yaku - 2 han
Yaku - 3 han
Yaku - 6 han
Yakuman
Special
Optional
Topics
Yaku Replays
Closed only Yaku - 1 han
Yaku - 1 han
Yaku - 2 han
Yaku - 3 han
Yaku - 6 han
Yakuman
Special
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