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'''Mentsu''' {{kana|面子}} are the tile groups used for the [[Japanese mahjong|game]].  The groups follow a similar pattern to the regular card game, gin rummy, where the focus is on groups of three tiles and sometimes four. They are subdivided into three types: '''shuntsu''' (sequence), '''koutsu''' (three-of-a-kind), and '''kantsu''' (four-of-a-kind). Forming these groups is a central part of developing a mahjong hand, because it is required for attaining [[tenpai]] and completing hands. Two factors go towards the formation of these tile groups: suit and number (or type).
'''Mentsu''' {{kana|面子}}, known as "tile groups", "melds", or "sets" in English, are used to create a winning hand. They are subdivided into four types: '''shuntsu''' (sequence), '''koutsu''' (three-of-a-kind), '''kantsu''' (four-of-a-kind), and '''jantou''' (pair). They are further categorized by their state being "open" or "closed".
 
Forming these groups is a central part of [[Tile efficiency|developing a mahjong hand]], because it is required for attaining [[tenpai]] and completing hands altogether. Two main factors go towards the formation of these tile groups: suit and number (or type).


==The tile groups==
==The tile groups==
While the tile groups are subdivided into three types, they are further subdivided into the state of open or closed.  Mahjong features four types of tiles in terms of suits: the numbered suits and [[jihai|honors]]. By no means can a tile group be of mixed suit.  Every tile group must be single-suited.  Honor tiles take an even greater restriction, by which tile groups must be of particular tiles. Different honor tiles cannot be mixed with suited tiles or other honor tiles. Tiles among honor groups must be identical.  To complete these tile groups, players must either self-draw from the wall or may [[Naki|call on discarded tiles]], presuming that two out of three of a tile group are in possession.  An extended call may be used for closed triplets, when the fourth is discarded by which [[kan]] is invoked.
Mahjong features four distinct suits: three numbered suits (manzu, pinzu, souzu), and [[honor]]s. Each tile group ''must'' be composed of a single suit, though a hand can contain tile groups of different suits.
 
In addition, honor tiles can only make groups with other copies of the same tile; you cannot mix different honor tiles together. As a result, honor tiles cannot be used in sequences.


===Shuntsu===
===Shuntsu===
{| class="wikitable" width=22%
{| class="wikitable" width=50%
|-
|-
| align=center|{{#mjt: 123m}} || align=center| {{#mjt: 1'23p}}
| align=center|{{#mjt: 123m}} || align=center| {{#mjt: 1'23p}} || align=center| {{#mjt: 2'13s}}
|-
|-
| Anjun - Closed || Minjun - Open
| Anjun - Closed || Minjun - Open || Minjun - Open (middle number called)
|}
|}


'''Shuntsu''' {{kana|順子}} is a tile group consisting of three sequential numbered tiles. Self-drawn sequences are called '''anjun''' {{kana|暗順}}. The open variety are '''minjun''' {{kana|明順}}.
'''Shuntsu''' {{kana|順子}} ("sequences") are a tile group consisting of three consecutive number tiles. Note that 9 does not "wrap around" to 1 - you cannot have sequences of "891" or "912". In addition, you cannot make sequences by using honor tiles.


To form a '''minjun''', players are limited to calling tiles from ''kamicha'', or the player from the left. Discarded tiles from the other two players, that are needed to complete this meld cannot be called upon.
Closed sequences are called '''anjun''' {{kana|暗順}}. The open variety are '''minjun''' {{kana|明順}}. To form a '''minjun''', players are limited to calling tiles from [[kamicha]], or the player from the left. Discarded tiles from the other two players, that are needed to complete this meld cannot be called upon. Furthermore, an added restriction is applied by [[kuikae]], which applies to calls off of previously completed sequences.


===Koutsu===
===Koutsu===
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|}
|}


'''Koutsu''' {{kana|刻子}} is a tile group, consisting of three of the same type of tiles. In English, koutsu are referred as "triplets".  Players may develop '''minkou''' {{kana|明刻}} (open triplets) by calling on discarded tiles, while in possession of pairs.
'''Koutsu''' {{kana|刻子}} ("triplets") are a tile group consisting of three of the same type of tiles. Players may develop '''minkou''' {{kana|明刻}} (open triplets) by calling on a discarded tile while already having a pair of said tile.


===Kantsu===
===Kantsu===
{{main|Kan}}
{{main|Kan}}
{| class="wikitable" width=40%
{| class="wikitable" width=50%
|-
|-
| align=center width=33%|{{#mjt: 0z99p0z}} || align=center width=33%| {{#mjt: 5555'm}} || align=center width=33%|  
| align=center width=33%|{{#mjt: 0z99p0z}} || align=center width=33%| {{#mjt: 5555'm}} || align=center width=33%| {{#mjt:77"7s}}
|-
|-
| Ankan - Closed || Minkan - Open || Shouminkan - Open (added)
| Ankan - Closed || Minkan - Open || Shouminkan - Open (added)
|}
|}


'''Kantsu''' {{kana|槓子}} must be declared by [[kan]], to be useful. Kan is a special [[Naki|tile call]] in the game. This call forms a meld from four identical tiles. After the declaration of "kan", then a special set of rules are invoked.
'''Kantsu''' {{kana|槓子}} ("quads") are special - in order for it to count as a proper tile group, a player must declare "[[kan]]". Kan is a special [[Naki|tile call]] with its own set of procedures: first, the four-of-a-kind must be set aside, then a player must draw a replacement tile.
 
Kantsu count as triplets for the purposes of [[yaku]].
 
=== Jantou ===
{{main|Jantou}}
 
'''Jantou''' {{kana|雀}} is the pair of the hand. The terms ''mentsu'' and ''group'' do not refer to the pair, but a pair is required to complete a mahjong hand.


==External links==
==External links==
[http://www.japanesemahjong.net/mahjong-rules/gameplay/ Overview]
{{jpwiki|面子}}
* [http://www.japanesemahjong.net/mahjong-rules/gameplay/ Overview]


[[Category:Terminology]]
[[Category:Mentsu]]

Latest revision as of 18:34, 22 August 2024

Mentsu 「面子」, known as "tile groups", "melds", or "sets" in English, are used to create a winning hand. They are subdivided into four types: shuntsu (sequence), koutsu (three-of-a-kind), kantsu (four-of-a-kind), and jantou (pair). They are further categorized by their state being "open" or "closed".

Forming these groups is a central part of developing a mahjong hand, because it is required for attaining tenpai and completing hands altogether. Two main factors go towards the formation of these tile groups: suit and number (or type).

The tile groups

Mahjong features four distinct suits: three numbered suits (manzu, pinzu, souzu), and honors. Each tile group must be composed of a single suit, though a hand can contain tile groups of different suits.

In addition, honor tiles can only make groups with other copies of the same tile; you cannot mix different honor tiles together. As a result, honor tiles cannot be used in sequences.

Shuntsu

           
Anjun - Closed Minjun - Open Minjun - Open (middle number called)

Shuntsu 「順子」 ("sequences") are a tile group consisting of three consecutive number tiles. Note that 9 does not "wrap around" to 1 - you cannot have sequences of "891" or "912". In addition, you cannot make sequences by using honor tiles.

Closed sequences are called anjun 「暗順」. The open variety are minjun 「明順」. To form a minjun, players are limited to calling tiles from kamicha, or the player from the left. Discarded tiles from the other two players, that are needed to complete this meld cannot be called upon. Furthermore, an added restriction is applied by kuikae, which applies to calls off of previously completed sequences.

Koutsu

       
Ankou - Closed Minkou - Open

Koutsu 「刻子」 ("triplets") are a tile group consisting of three of the same type of tiles. Players may develop minkou 「明刻」 (open triplets) by calling on a discarded tile while already having a pair of said tile.

Kantsu

Main article: Kan
             
Ankan - Closed Minkan - Open Shouminkan - Open (added)

Kantsu 「槓子」 ("quads") are special - in order for it to count as a proper tile group, a player must declare "kan". Kan is a special tile call with its own set of procedures: first, the four-of-a-kind must be set aside, then a player must draw a replacement tile.

Kantsu count as triplets for the purposes of yaku.

Jantou

Main article: Jantou

Jantou 「雀」 is the pair of the hand. The terms mentsu and group do not refer to the pair, but a pair is required to complete a mahjong hand.

External links

Mentsu in Japanese Wikipedia
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