Ittsuu vs sanshoku

The two yaku ittsuu and sanshoku are not compatible, because the hand does not have enough tile groupings to accommodate both yaku. In turn, this forces players to choose one over the other in the event both are viable during the course of a hand.

Hand state, where viability of either yaku is available.

A choice given between two forms of sanshoku (123 or 234) and ittsuu.

Value

When closed or open, both produce the same amount of han: one while open, or two while closed. Therefore, the value question is somewhat irrelevant. The balance then stems on the other yaku combinations. In the case of tanyao, then sanshoku may be favored as ittsuu utilizes terminals.

Frequency difference

According to monthly data in Tenhou.net, sanshoku occurs a little more than double than ittsuu. This is due to the wider number range across the three suits rather than depending on an entire 1-9 sequence of one suit.