Dora: Difference between revisions

From Japanese Mahjong Wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
VisualWikitext
mNo edit summary
No edit summary
Line 1: Line 1:
[[Image:Dora and Wanpai.jpg|thumb|350px|Dead wall showing 2-pin as the dora indicator.]]'''Dora''' {{kana|ドラ}} is a feature to the game, where possession of specific tiles instantly grants the hand 1 han per tile. However, hands still require at least one [[yaku]] in order to score, regardless of the number of dora in the hand.  So, the possession of dora is 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 [[Wanpai|dead wall]] tiles. The dora is marked by the tile after the flipped tile. Additional dora may be revealed through the use of '''uradora''' and/or '''kandora'''. Finally, additional tiles underneath any revealed dora may also mark more dora as an added benefit for hands won with [[riichi]].
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'''.


==Yaku==
== Dora Indicators ==
{{main|Yaku}}
{{Main|Wanpai}}
In terms of value, dora are counted by measure of [[han]].  However, dora functions as a "bonus value", where the hand simply cannot just possess dora in order to qualify as a winning hand.  The hand still requires '''at least one yaku'''.  In other words, dora is not a replacement for the yaku requirement.


== 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.
{{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 following lists the complete dora order. Note that the order loops around, and that doras do not "cross-indicate" tiles of another suit.
 
==Dora order==
This lists the complete dora order. As a repeat, the dora is the next tile within each of the following orders.  Dora are not "cross indicated" among the different suits.  Furthermore, the dora order loops.


===Suit order===
===Suit order===
Line 26: Line 21:
:{{#mjt:1234z}}  If the dora indicator is {{#mjt:4z}}, then the dora is {{#mjt:1z}}.
:{{#mjt:1234z}}  If the dora indicator is {{#mjt:4z}}, then the dora is {{#mjt:1z}}.


The wind order follows the same order as the [[Jikaze|seat winds]] in the same counterclockwise direction as the normal turn order.  Naturally, wind based dora are particularly advantageous to [[yakuhai]].  Yet, players seated off wind can still use this dora while implementing the appropriate yaku.
The wind order follows the same order as the [[Jikaze|seat winds]] in the same counter-clockwise direction as the normal turn order.


===Dragon order===
===Dragon order===
Line 43: Line 38:


==Other types of dora==
==Other types of dora==
Additional indicators of dora may be found in the game.
During the game, you may find additional sources of dora.
 
===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}}.
 
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.
*Closed kans (ankan) reveal the dora indiactor immediately.
 
===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.
 
For each kandora revealed, the hand gets an additional uradora indiactor. 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].]]
[[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.  If included in the game, these "red fives" automatically count as dora, regardless of the dora indicator. If the dora indicator is a four, the red five of the same suit counts as two dora. Most modern sets will include two red 5p, one red 5m, and one red 5s, and one red five of each suit is used in actual play.


:{{#mjt:0m0p0s}}
'''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. They are frequently used, but not all rules enable akadora.


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 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).


===Uradora===
:{{#mjt:0m0p0s}}
'''Uradora''' {{kana|裏ドラ}}, or '''underneath dora''' applies only to hands won using [[riichi]].  Thus, no open hand may ever have access to the 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.  Potentially, such hands may potentially gain substantial value, just off of the uradora.


If there are multiple identical indicators, each indicated tile counts as multiple dora correspondingly.
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.
 
===Kandora===
After a call for [[Kan|kan]], additional dora indicators, called '''kandora''' {{kana|カンドラ}}, are revealed.  These are tiles next to the dora indicator counter clockwise on the dead wall. Depending on the rules and/or formality of the game, the timing for flipping the kandora during a kan procedure may vary.  Casual games will simply flip the kan dora immediately after kan.  More technical games will differentiate between the kan types, where the kan dora may be flipped after the player makes a discard.


Likewise, in the event of riichi, the uradora underneath the kandora are also revealed, as '''kanuradora''' {{kana|カン裏ドラ}}.
===Nukidora===
===Nukidora===
{{main|Sanma}}
{{main|Sanma}}


In some rules of three-player mahjong, North tiles may be [[kita|picked]]. The procedure is the same of forming a added kan. The North tiles picked becomes doras.
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.


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


A number of strategic considerations surround dora tiles. Because of the 1-han value of a single dora tile, players often desire them within their hands.  This either involves possession of dora tiles or potential waits involving dora tiles.  Of course, in many instances, neither is the case.
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.


==Rule variations==
==Rule variations==

Revision as of 16:18, 31 March 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 in riichi may score extra uradora.

Dora Indicators

Main article: Wanpai

For every hand, fourteen tiles are always 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 after the flipped "dora indicator" 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 .

Duplicated dora

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.

Example:

  • Dora indicators

A single is worth 2 han.

Other types of dora

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

Kandora

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 indiactor after a discard, or after the next kan.
  • Closed kans (ankan) reveal the dora indiactor immediately.

Uradora

Uradora 「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.

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

Akadora

Specially marked haku as dora, next to a standard haku tile.
Multiple dora shown due to kan calls.

Akadora 「赤ドラ」 or akapai 「赤牌」 are specifically marked "red dora" tiles. Unlike dora indicators, having the red tile in your hand counts as a dora. They are frequently used, but not all rules enable akadora.

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).

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.

Nukidora

Main article: 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.

Strategy

Main article: 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.

Rule variations

Main article: 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.

External links

Dora in Japanese Wikipedia
Retrieved from "https://riichi.wiki/index.php?title=Dora&oldid=24373"