Yaku: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:46, 3 November 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. It is not expected of new players to know every yaku, but learning the most common yaku is important. 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 summed up, and the hand scores 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」 refers to 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

Yaku are scored based on hand composition and how the hand was won. Most yaku focus on what tiles the hand had; a few are based on where the winning tile was obtained.

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 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 seat wind, the round wind, or any dragon.

Sequential

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

Sanankou

Three closed triplets.

Sankantsu

Three 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 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 article: Yakuman

Yakuman is a special class of yaku. Yakuman are worth the maximum amount of points, and cannot be combined with non-yakuman yaku. Theh are among the most difficult to complete, so players may treat them as special.

Combining yaku

Main article: Yaku compatibility

Yaku may be combined with other yaku. When a hand qualifies for two or more yaku, their han value is added up. Combining yaku and/or dora is important for scoring big hands.

Optional yaku

Main article: Optional yaku

Optional yaku, or local yaku, are yaku not included in the standard ruleset of riichi mahjong. These yaku may be added with house rules, increasing the game's complexity and number of available hands.

External links

役_(麻雀)

Yaku in Japanese Wikipedia

Japanese mahjong yaku

Wikipedia listing

Yaku frequency among Tenhou.net players (Japanese)

Lists all the yaku occurrences in Tenhou.net by percentages and by room

Yaku short list

Pointing out which yaku to learn first

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Yaku''' {{kana|役}} are [[List of yaku|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.  '''Most importantly, every hand must include at least one yaku, in order to count as a winning hand'''.
+'''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. It is not expected of new players to know every yaku, but learning the most common yaku is important. '''Most importantly, every hand must include at least one yaku in order to count as a winning hand'''.
 ==Han==
 {{main|Scoring}}
-Each yaku is assigned han values.  Most have static values, regardless of the hand being closed or open.  However, some decrease in han value while being open.  Furthermore, some also require hands to remain closed in order to count.  For hands to maximize the total han value, different yaku may be combined into a single hand.
+Each yaku is assigned a han value. Whenever a player wins, their hand's yaku are summed up, and the hand scores 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|Kuisagari}}
+{{main|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.
-Various yaku are affected by the hand's state of being open or closed.  After using the different [[naki|tile calls]], a yaku may be affected in terms of han value or even validity.  Various yaku, and even yakuman, are restricted to be closed only.  Others, they remain valid but their value is decreased by 1-han.  As for the rest, it is irrelevant whether the hand is open or 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''' {{kana|ノミ}} is the state of the hand which contains only one yaku and no dora.  In other words, it is the lowest value (or second lowest value) for that particular yaku possible.  In general, this term can be appended to any of the yaku names as a suffix.  For example, '''riichi nomi''' {{kana|リーチノミ}} meaning "riichi only".  Usually, winning hands in this state are [[scoring|cheap low value hands]] worth only 1 or 2 [[han]].  Though, the term used for higher valued yaku, such as [[ryanpeikou]] or [[chinitsu]], are acceptable; but it's not generally used.  When [[dora]] is included in the hand, then the term is not applicable.  As for yakuman, the term nomi is not appended, due to the high scoring value.
+'''Nomi''' {{kana|ノミ}} refers to 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 ==
@@ Line 23: / Line 24: @@
 [[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.
+Yaku are scored based on hand composition and how the hand was won. Most yaku focus on what tiles the hand had; a few are based on where the winning tile was obtained.
-=== Circumstantial ===
+===Riichi===
-Two yaku specifically are based on the current state of tenpai, as well as particular actions of other players.
+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.
@@ Line 33: / Line 45: @@
 :Winning off of the last possible discarded tile for the hand.
-=== Discretionary ===
+'''Draw based'''
-* [[Riichi]]
+* [[Haitei raoyue]]
-: This is the only yaku, by which players have the option to declare or not.  Otherwise, hands may possibly [[damaten|win without it]], if it remains closed with other valid yaku.
+: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 ===
-Honor based tiles depends on the use of honor tile groups.  Each of these cases also are mixed with the numbered tiles.
+These yaku depend on the use of [[honor]] tile groups. These may be mixed with number tiles.
 * [[Honitsu]]
-:Honor tiles with one suit.
+: All tiles are the same suit or honor tiles.
 * [[Honroutou]]
-:Honor tiles with terminals.
+: All tiles are honor or terminal tiles.
 * [[Shousangen]]
-:Specific collection of all three [[sangenpai|dragon types]].
+: Two [[dragon]] triplets, and a pair of the third dragon.
 * [[Tanyao]]
-:No honors or (terminal) are used.
+:No honors or terminals are used.
 * [[Yakuhai]]
-:Specific collection of any dragon, [[Jikaze|seat wind]], or round wind tiles.
+:A triplet of: your [[Jikaze|seat wind]], the round wind, or any dragon.
-=== Luck based ===
-Luck based yaku focuses on specific instances regarding tile draws.  Sometimes with the exception of ippatsu, other players have no bearing on the outcome of these tile draws.
-* [[Double riichi]]
-:This is essentially riichi, but with the added luck of the hand being tenpai upon the [[haipai|initial tile deal]], or the opening hand.
-* [[Ippatsu]]
-:Winning on or before the next tile draw after riichi.
-* [[Haitei raoyue]]
-:Winning with the last tile draw.
-* [[Rinshan kaihou]]
-:Drawing a winning tile after a kan call.
 === Sequential ===
-These yaku either require [[shuntsu|sequential]] tile groups.
+These yaku require [[shuntsu|sequential]] tile groups.
 * [[Iipeikou]]
-: By definition, this yaku uses two-identical sequences.
+: Two identical sequences (two sequences with same suit and numbers).
 * [[Ittsu]]
-: A complete string of 1-9 tile naturally use sequences.
+: A complete string of 1-9 tiles, arranged into sequences of: 123, 456, and 789.
 * [[Pinfu]]
-: Every tile group must be a sequence.
+: Every tile group must be a sequence (among other conditions).
 * [[Ryanpeikou]]
-: By definition, this yaku uses two-identical sequences two times.
+: "Two iipeikou"; two sets of identical sequences.
 * [[Sanshoku]]
-: By definition, this yaku uses three identically numbered sequences across the three suits.
+: Three identically numbered sequences, one of each suit.
 === Terminal based ===
-These yaku revolve around [[routouhai|terminals]], or complete lack thereof.
+These yaku revolve around [[terminal]], or complete lack thereof.
 * [[Chanta]]
-:Every tile group with an honor or terminal.
+:Every tile group, including the pair, has an honor or terminal.
 * [[Honroutou]]
-:Only honor and terminal groups.
+:Every tile is an honor or terminal.
 * [[Junchan]]
-:Every tile group with a terminal.
+: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.
+:No terminals or honors are used.
-=== Triplet ===
+=== Triplet based ===
-These yaku require at least one [[Koutsu|triplet]] in order to be valid.
+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]]
-: Requires three [[kan|quads]], which are considered as triplets plus one extra.
+: Three [[kan|quads]].
 * [[Sanshoku doukou]]
-: Needs three identically numbered triplets across the three suits.
+: Three identically numbered triplets across the three suits.
 * [[Shousangen]]
-: Triplets of [[sangenpai|dragon tiles]].
+: Two [[dragon]] triplets, and a pair of the third dragon.
 * [[Toitoi]]
 : Every tile group is a triplet.
 * [[Yakuhai]]
-: Counted when the hand contains a triplet of a valid honor tile, namely: any dragon triplet, appropriate [[Jikaze|seat wind]], or the current [[Jikaze|round wind]].
+: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}}
-Yakuman is a special class of yaku, by which the pattern itself is awarded the maximum point limit for a single hand pattern.
+Yakuman is a special class of yaku. Yakuman are worth the maximum amount of points, and cannot be combined with non-yakuman yaku. Theh are among the most difficult to complete, so players may treat them as special.
 == Combining yaku ==
-{{main|Yaku compatability}}
+{{main|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.
+Yaku may be combined with other yaku. When a hand qualifies for two or more yaku, their han value is added up. Combining yaku and/or [[dora]] is important for scoring big hands.
 == Optional yaku ==
 {{main|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.
+'''Optional yaku''', or '''local yaku''', are yaku not included in the standard ruleset of riichi mahjong. These yaku may be added with house rules, increasing the game's complexity and number of available hands.
+== See Also ==
+* [[List of yaku]]
 ==External links==