Four Pure Shifted Pungs

What Is Four Pure Shifted Pungs

Four Pure Shifted Pungs is one of the most formidable and high-scoring hands in Chinese Mahjong, commanding 48 fan. Achieving it requires four consecutive-rank pungs within a single suit—(x, x+1, x+2, x+3)—plus a pair to fill out the 14-tile structure. This demands exceptional luck and strategic play, including vigilant discard tracking and timing for pung calls. While the pattern is rare and easily disrupted by observant opponents, its enormous payoff makes it a prize target for those with an auspicious starting hand and the resolve to follow through.

The Tile Pattern of Four Pure Shifted Pungs

Four Pure Shifted Pungs requires you to form four separate pungs in one suit, where each pung is exactly one rank higher than the previous one. This creates a stepped progression of four consecutive ranks (x, x+1, x+2, x+3) all in the same suit (Craks, Bams, or Dots). Each pung consists of three identical tiles of that rank.

Example

• Pung of 3 B (3 B, 3 B, 3 B)
• Pung of 4 B (4 B, 4 B, 4 B)
• Pung of 5 B (5 B, 5 B, 5 B)
• Pung of 6 B (6 B, 6 B, 6 B)
• Pair of 9 B (9 B, 9 B)

Fan Value of Four Pure Shifted Pungs

Under Chinese Mahjong rules, Four Pure Shifted Pungs is awarded 48 fan, one of the highest single-hand scores in the game. This massive reward corresponds to the extreme difficulty of collecting four consecutive-rank pungs in the same suit (requiring 12 specific tiles plus a pair).

Strategies and Considerations of Four Pure Shifted Pungs

Check for Consecutive Ranks: If your opening hand shows pairs or partial pungs that line up in consecutive ranks (like 3 B, 4 B, 5 B) all in one suit, consider the possibility of building four consecutive pungs.

Discard Other Suits: Focusing exclusively on the target suit and relevant ranks (x, x+1, x+2, x+3) can improve your draw chances. Immediately discard extraneous tiles.

Calling Pungs: You can declare “pung” off any opponent’s discard, speeding up your set formation. However, each exposed pung signals your reliance on that rank. Opponents may withhold or avoid discarding the next rank you need.

Fully Concealed: Concealing all four pungs by self-drawing can be extremely difficult, but it might yield additional small fan bonuses for a self-drawn win. The main challenge is ensuring no one else uses or discards the tiles you need.

Detectable Pattern: Once you show two pungs in consecutive ranks (e.g., 3 B and 4 B pungs), attentive opponents may guess you are reaching for “Pure Shifted Pungs” or “Four Pure Shifted Pungs.” They could hold onto or avoid discarding 5 B and 6 B.

Tile Counting: Carefully track how many of each required rank (x, x+1, x+2, x+3) appear in discards or melds. If too many vanish, pivoting to a lower-value pattern might be necessary.

Potential Overlaps

• Full Flush: Being in a single suit means you technically also have “Full Flush.” However, “Four Pure Shifted Pungs” (48 fan) supersedes smaller patterns under most scoring interpretations.
• All Pungs: You do have all pungs, but again, the 48 fan is far larger, typically overriding lesser patterns.
• Honors: If your pair is a seat wind, round wind, or dragon, you earn small extra fan. The main chunk of scoring remains the 48 fan from this advanced hand.

Strict Tile Requirements: You need 12 tiles across four consecutive ranks—just one shortage or block by opponents can ruin your plan. A successful “Four Pure Shifted Pungs” can yield enough points to decide the entire round or match in your favor.