Basic Rules of Japanese Riichi Mahjong Explained Simply
Basic Rules of Japanese Mahjong Explained Simply
Learn the basic rules of Japanese Riichi Mahjong in simple steps: tile types, turn order, how to win, scoring, and key differences from other styles.
Goal of the Game
The goal of Japanese Riichi Mahjong is to be the first to complete a winning hand with yaku. A valid hand usually has four melds and one pair. Without yaku, you cannot win.
Tile Breakdown (Suits and Honors)
- Suits: Characters (1–9), Circles (1–9), Bamboo (1–9), four copies each.
- Honors: Winds (East, South, West, North) and Dragons (White, Green, Red), four copies each.
Handling real tiles helps beginners quickly recognize suits and honors.
The Flow of Play (Draw and Discard)
- Draw a tile from the wall.
- Discard a tile face-up in front of you.
The round continues until someone wins, the wall runs out, or a special draw condition occurs.
How to Declare a Win
Ron: Win on another player’s discard.
Tsumo: Win on your own draw.
Reveal your hand, confirm yaku, and settle points. Remember: no yaku = no win.
Scoring in the Simplest Terms
- Fu: Minipoints from structure.
- Han: Multipliers from yaku/dora.
- Final Score: Fu × 2^han → then applied to payment table.
Beginner hands usually score 1,000–2,000 points. Stronger hands reach Mangan or more.
Differences from Other Mahjong Styles
- American Mahjong: Uses preset hands and jokers.
- Chinese Mahjong: Allows winning without yaku.
- Japanese Mahjong: Requires yaku; unique Riichi rule.
Conclusion
Mastering the basics—tiles, flow, and yaku—sets you on the path to playing Riichi Mahjong confidently. Upgrade your experience with an authentic Japanese tile set or automatic mahjong table.