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[[Image:Dora and Wanpai.jpg|thumb|350px|Dead wall showing 2-pin as the dora indicator.]]'''Dora''' {{kana|ドラ}} are special tiles; each dora in your hand grants 1 [[han]]. However, '''hands still require at least one [[yaku]] in order to score'''. Dora do not count towards the yaku requirement, so they are best considered as a bonus.
[[Image:Dora and Wanpai.jpg|thumb|350px|Dead wall showing 2-pin as the dora indicator.]]'''Dora''' {{kana|ドラ}} are special tiles; each dora in your hand grants 1 [[han]]. However, '''hands still require at least one [[yaku]] in order to score'''. Dora do not count towards the yaku requirement, so they are best considered as a bonus.


At the beginning of every hand, fourteen tiles are set aside as the dead wall tiles. One dead wall tile is then flipped over. The tile sequentially after the flipped tile is considered dora. Additional dora may be revealed through [[kan]], known as '''kandora'''. Also, hands in [[riichi]] may score extra '''uradora'''.
At the beginning of every hand, fourteen tiles are set aside as the dead wall tiles. One dead wall tile is then flipped over. The tile sequentially after the flipped tile is considered dora. Additional dora may be revealed through [[kan]], known as '''kandora'''. Also, hands that declare [[riichi]] may score extra '''uradora'''.


== Dora Indicators ==
== Dora Indicators ==
{{Main|Wanpai}}
{{Main|Wanpai}}


For every hand, fourteen tiles are always set aside to form the '''dead wall''', or '''wanpai''' {{kana|王牌}}. One of these tiles, the third from the initial wall break as shown in the picture, is always flipped over to indicate the dora. The tile after the flipped "dora indicator" is the dora itself.
Every time tiles are dealt, fourteen tiles are set aside to form the '''dead wall''', or '''wanpai''' {{kana|王牌}}. One of these tiles - the third from the initial wall break, as shown in the picture - is always flipped over to indicate the dora. The tile sequentially after the flipped "dora indicator" is the dora itself. For example, if 1-man is the dora indicator, then 2-man is the dora itself.


The following lists the complete dora order. Note that the order loops around, and that doras do not "cross-indicate" tiles of another suit.
The following lists the complete dora order. Note that the order loops around, and that doras do not "cross-indicate" tiles of another suit.
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:{{#mjt:567z}}  If the dora indicator is {{#mjt:7z}}, then the dora is {{#mjt:5z}}.
:{{#mjt:567z}}  If the dora indicator is {{#mjt:7z}}, then the dora is {{#mjt:5z}}.


== Duplicated dora ==
== Multiple Dora ==
Dora stack; a hand can have as many dora as it can fit into the hand.


In the event a dora indicator is repeated, either as a kandora or uradora, then the dora tile is worth the number of han as the dora indicator shows.
In the event a dora indicator is repeated, then the dora tile will be worth one han per dora indicator.


'''Example:'''
'''Examples:'''


* Dora indicators
* Dora indicators
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A single {{#mjt:6s}} is worth 2 han.
A single {{#mjt:6s}} is worth 2 han.
----
* Dora indicator
: {{#mjt:4p}}
A single {{#mjt:0p}} is worth 2 han - one as a regular dora, one as an [[#Akadora|akadora]].


==Other types of dora==
==Other types of dora==
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===Kandora===
===Kandora===
After a call for [[Kan|kan]], an additional dora indicator is flipped. Specifically, the tile next to the dora indicator counter-clockwise on the dead wall is flipped. These are known as '''kandora''' {{kana|カンドラ}}.
[[Image:Kandora.png|250px|right|thumb|Multiple dora shown due to [http://tenhou.net/0/?log=2014081810gm-0009-7447-935af6c5&tw=1&ts=5 kan calls].]]
After a call for [[kan]], an additional dora indicator is flipped. Specifically, the tile next to the dora indicator counter-clockwise on the dead wall is flipped. These are known as '''kandora''' {{kana|カンドラ}}.


Casual games will simply flip the kan dora immediately after kan. Others will differentiate between the kan types.
Casual games will simply flip the kan dora immediately after kan. Others will differentiate between the kan types.
*Open kans (both damiminkan and shouminkan) only reveal the dora indiactor after a discard, or after the next kan.
*Open kans (both damiminkan and shouminkan) only reveal the dora indicator after a discard, or after the next kan.
*Closed kans (ankan) reveal the dora indiactor immediately.
*Closed kans (ankan) reveal the dora indicator immediately.


===Uradora===
===Uradora===
'''Uradora''' {{kana|裏ドラ}}, or '''underneath dora''' are only used when a hand wins with [[riichi]]. Therefore, no open hand may ever have access to the ura dora. Any hand that wins with riichi gains access to uradora. In the event a riichi declared hand has won, the tiles underneath the dora indicator(s) are revealed. These newly revealed tiles serve as additional dora indicators.
'''Uradora''' {{kana|裏ドラ}}, or '''underneath dora''', are used whenever a hand wins with [[riichi]]. Therefore, no open hand may ever have access to the ura dora. In the event that any riichi-declaring hand wins, the tiles underneath the dora indicator(s) are revealed. These newly revealed tiles serve as additional dora indicators.


For each kandora revealed, the hand gets an additional uradora indiactor. These are known as ''kanuradora''' {{kana|カン裏ドラ}}.
For each kandora revealed, the hand gets an additional uradora indicator. These are known as '''kanuradora''' {{kana|カン裏ドラ}}.


===Akadora===
===Akadora===
[[Image:Dora Haku.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Specially marked haku as dora, next to a standard haku tile.]]
[[Image:Dora Haku.jpg|250px|right|thumb|Specially marked haku as dora, next to a standard haku tile.]]
[[Image:Kandora.png|250px|right|thumb|Multiple dora shown due to [http://tenhou.net/0/?log=2014081810gm-0009-7447-935af6c5&tw=1&ts=5 kan calls].]]


'''Akadora''' {{kana|赤ドラ}} or '''akapai''' {{kana|赤牌}} are specifically marked "red dora" tiles. Unlike dora indicators, having the red tile in your hand counts as a dora.
'''Akadora''' {{kana|赤ドラ}}, '''akapai''' {{kana|赤牌}}, or '''red dora''' are tiles marked in red. Unlike dora indicators, having the red tile itself in your hand counts as a dora.  
 
Akadora are frequently used, but not all rules enable them. Most modern mahjong sets will include two red 5p, one red 5m, and one red 5s. In actual play, one red five of each suit is used (excluding the second red 5p).


Akadora are frequently included in games, but are not universal. The most common rule is to include three red fives, one of each suit.
:{{#mjt:0m0p0s}}
:{{#mjt:0m0p0s}}


Sets may include other tiles marked "red" as automatic dora. Five happens to be the common choice because it is the center number within the 1 through 9 range. Though rarely found, some older sets include a "red haku" tile (white dragon), with some marking not present on the usual haku tile, and some sets include red threes.
Most modern mahjong sets will include an extra red 5p (in total: two red 5p, one red 5m/5s). Sets may include other tiles marked "red" as automatic dora. Five happens to be the common choice because it is the center number within the 1 through 9 range. Though rarely found, some older sets include a "red haku" tile (white dragon), with some marking not present on the usual haku tile, and some sets include red threes.


An akadora used as a dora indicator is treated as a regular tile.
===Nukidora===
===Nukidora===
{{main|Sanma}}
{{main|Sanma}}


In some rules of three-player mahjong, the North tile may be used as special type of dora. By calling [[kita]], the North tile is placed aside, and the hand gains 1 nukidora. Then, the player gets a dead wall draw. North tiles not called for kita are not dora.
In some rules of three-player mahjong, the North tile may be used as a special dora. When a North tile is obtained, the player may call [[kita]], set the tile aside, and the hand gains 1 nukidora. Then, the player gets a dead wall draw. North tiles not called for kita are not dora.


==Strategy==
==Strategy==
{{main|Dora strategy}}
{{main|Dora strategy}}


Because each dora is worth one han, dora tiles are considered valuable. The dora itself, as well as tiles around the dora, are generally more dangerous to discard.
Dora tiles are valuable due to their +1 han. Until mangan, each han will roughly double your score, so even one dora is a substantial score boost.
 
Because of their value, the dora itself, as well as tiles around the dora, are generally more dangerous to discard.


==Rule variations==
==Rule variations==
{{main|Dora variations}}
{{main|Dora variations}}


Rules variations allow the customization on the use of dora. Most commonly, the use of the initial dora is generally universal within Japanese mahjong. As for the other sources of dora, such as the kandora and uradora, some organizations would omit them. The most optional dora involve the akadora, where tile sets are sold with the red dora as extra tiles.
Rules variations differ on the use of dora.
*The initial dora is the most common - it is generally universal within Japanese mahjong.
*Kandora and uradora may be excluded in some rulesets, but it is common to use both.
*Akadora is the most optional, with many rules enabling/disabling them. Mahjong tile sets are often sold with red fives in addition to four regular fives of each suit.


==External links==
==External links==

Latest revision as of 00:36, 3 November 2024

Dead wall showing 2-pin as the dora indicator.

Dora 「ドラ」 are special tiles; each dora in your hand grants 1 han. However, hands still require at least one yaku in order to score. Dora do not count towards the yaku requirement, so they are best considered as a bonus.

At the beginning of every hand, fourteen tiles are set aside as the dead wall tiles. One dead wall tile is then flipped over. The tile sequentially after the flipped tile is considered dora. Additional dora may be revealed through kan, known as kandora. Also, hands that declare riichi may score extra uradora.

Dora Indicators

Every time tiles are dealt, fourteen tiles are set aside to form the dead wall, or wanpai 「王牌」. One of these tiles - the third from the initial wall break, as shown in the picture - is always flipped over to indicate the dora. The tile sequentially after the flipped "dora indicator" is the dora itself. For example, if 1-man is the dora indicator, then 2-man is the dora itself.

The following lists the complete dora order. Note that the order loops around, and that doras do not "cross-indicate" tiles of another suit.

Suit order

If the dora indicator is , then the dora is .
If the dora indicator is , then the dora is .
If the dora indicator is , then the dora is .

Wind order

If the dora indicator is , then the dora is .

The wind order follows the same order as the seat winds in the same counter-clockwise direction as the normal turn order.

Dragon order

If the dora indicator is , then the dora is .

Multiple Dora

Dora stack; a hand can have as many dora as it can fit into the hand.

In the event a dora indicator is repeated, then the dora tile will be worth one han per dora indicator.

Examples:

  • Dora indicators

A single is worth 2 han.


  • Dora indicator

A single is worth 2 han - one as a regular dora, one as an akadora.

Other types of dora

During the game, you may find additional sources of dora.

Kandora

Multiple dora shown due to kan calls.

After a call for kan, an additional dora indicator is flipped. Specifically, the tile next to the dora indicator counter-clockwise on the dead wall is flipped. These are known as kandora 「カンドラ」.

Casual games will simply flip the kan dora immediately after kan. Others will differentiate between the kan types.

  • Open kans (both damiminkan and shouminkan) only reveal the dora indicator after a discard, or after the next kan.
  • Closed kans (ankan) reveal the dora indicator immediately.

Uradora

Uradora 「裏ドラ」, or underneath dora, are used whenever a hand wins with riichi. Therefore, no open hand may ever have access to the ura dora. In the event that any riichi-declaring hand wins, the tiles underneath the dora indicator(s) are revealed. These newly revealed tiles serve as additional dora indicators.

For each kandora revealed, the hand gets an additional uradora indicator. These are known as kanuradora 「カン裏ドラ」.

Akadora

Specially marked haku as dora, next to a standard haku tile.

Akadora 「赤ドラ」, akapai 「赤牌」, or red dora are tiles marked in red. Unlike dora indicators, having the red tile itself in your hand counts as a dora.

Akadora are frequently included in games, but are not universal. The most common rule is to include three red fives, one of each suit.

Most modern mahjong sets will include an extra red 5p (in total: two red 5p, one red 5m/5s). Sets may include other tiles marked "red" as automatic dora. Five happens to be the common choice because it is the center number within the 1 through 9 range. Though rarely found, some older sets include a "red haku" tile (white dragon), with some marking not present on the usual haku tile, and some sets include red threes.

An akadora used as a dora indicator is treated as a regular tile.

Nukidora

In some rules of three-player mahjong, the North tile may be used as a special dora. When a North tile is obtained, the player may call kita, set the tile aside, and the hand gains 1 nukidora. Then, the player gets a dead wall draw. North tiles not called for kita are not dora.

Strategy

Dora tiles are valuable due to their +1 han. Until mangan, each han will roughly double your score, so even one dora is a substantial score boost.

Because of their value, the dora itself, as well as tiles around the dora, are generally more dangerous to discard.

Rule variations

Rules variations differ on the use of dora.

  • The initial dora is the most common - it is generally universal within Japanese mahjong.
  • Kandora and uradora may be excluded in some rulesets, but it is common to use both.
  • Akadora is the most optional, with many rules enabling/disabling them. Mahjong tile sets are often sold with red fives in addition to four regular fives of each suit.

External links

Dora in Japanese Wikipedia