Little Three Dragons

What Is Little Three Dragons

Little Three Dragons is a standout 64-fan hand in Chinese Mahjong, requiring two pungs/kongs of different Dragons plus a pair of the third Dragon. It is second only to Big Three Dragons in Dragon-based hands. Although collecting so many Dragon tiles can be challenging—especially if opponents try to block discards—the extraordinary 64-fan reward often justifies the effort. By recognizing multiple Dragon pairs early, deciding when to meld, and tracking how many Dragons remain in circulation, a patient and opportunistic player can unleash a “Little Three Dragons” bomb that can redefine the game.

The Tile Pattern of Little Three Dragons

Little Three Dragons requires:

• Two Pungs/Kongs of two different Dragons (for example, Red Dragon and Green Dragon), and
• A pair of the third Dragon.

Example

• Pung of Red Dragons
• Pung of White Dragons
• Pair of Green Dragons
• Chow of 7–8–9 in Bams (7 B, 8 B, 9 B)

That forms four melds plus one pair, featuring two Dragon pungs and a pair of the third Dragon.

Fan Value of Little Three Dragons

Under Chinese Mahjong rules, Little Three Dragons is worth 64 fan. This high value reflects the difficulty (and luck) of collecting so many Dragon tiles—especially when opponents may withhold or avoid discarding them.

Strategies and Considerations of Little Three Dragons

Count Your Dragons: If your initial hand has two pairs of Dragons or you quickly draw multiple copies of different Dragons, “Little Three Dragons” might be feasible.

Discard Unneeded Dragons?: Generally, you keep all Dragons until you figure out which ones you can form into a pung/kong and which you’ll keep as a pair.

Calling Pungs: Once someone discards a Dragon you need for a pung, you can call it. This speeds up your hand but also reveals that you are collecting Dragons.

Concealed Approach: If you self-draw the needed Dragons, you maintain secrecy. However, missing a critical discard can be risky if your chance to complete a pung passes.

Obvious Danger: If players see you expose a pung of one Dragon, they might suspect “Little Three Dragons” or even “Big Three Dragons.” They may stop discarding other Dragons or hold them to block you. Each pung/kong of Dragons by itself is worth some additional fan (1 fan for each Dragon pung if it’s your first dragon meld, with increments for seat/round wind if that’s relevant). However, the big 64-fan payoff is the primary goal.

Flexibility: After forming two Dragon pungs and a Dragon pair, you only need one more meld (chow/pung/kong) of any suit or even honors.

Overlap with Winds: Some players attempt to form a wind pung for extra fan. However, keep in mind that “Little Three Dragons” is already high enough at 64 fan.

Dragon Tiles Are Limited: Each Dragon suit has only four copies, so you must be vigilant about where they end up (opponents’ hands, discards, or melds). If you succeed, 64 fan typically places you well ahead in scoring, possibly shaping the entire match outcome.