Lower Four

What Is Lower Four

Lower Four is a significant 12-fan hand in Chinese Mahjong that limits all tiles to the ranks 1, 2, 3, and 4. While this constraint narrows your chow options and disallows honor tiles, it offers a valuable payoff once achieved. Players who receive a starting hand heavy in low ranks can aim for swift chows (1–2–3 or 2–3–4) or pungs in 1–4. Careful discard choices, observation of tile circulation, and timely meld decisions are key. When successful, “Lower Four” can deliver a high-scoring, unexpected win that reshapes the game’s outcome.

The Tile Pattern of Lower Four

No High Suits or Honors

• Ranks 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
• All honor tiles (East, South, West, North, and Dragons)

If even one tile outside 1–4 appears, the pattern is invalid.

Fan Value of Lower Four

Under Chinese Mahjong rules, the Lower Four is worth 12 fan. This high value compensates for:

• Having only limited chow options (1–2–3 or 2–3–4).
• Losing potential points from honor tiles or higher-suit tiles.

Once complete, the 12 fan far exceeds the typical 8-fan minimum required to declare a legal win in many tournaments.

Strategies and Considerations of Lower Four

Look at Your Initial Tiles: If you start with many 1–4 tiles, “Lower Four” could be a strong option.

Discard Quickly: As soon as you decide to pursue “Lower Four,” eliminate any 5+ ranks or honors to streamline your hand.

Only Two Chow Patterns: The only possible sequences are 1–2–3 or 2–3–4. Incorporate these chows wisely, or rely on pungs if that fits your tiles better.

Tile Availability: Watch how often 1–4 tiles get discarded or claimed by others. If key ranks are scarce, you may struggle to complete your sets.

Reveal of Strategy: Discarding only 5+ or honors can hint to opponents that you might be aiming for “Lower Four” (or a similarly specialized hand). They may adjust their defense or withhold certain discards.

Substantial Payoff: Completing this pattern yields 12 fan, potentially turning even a moderate hand into a major victory.

Remain Adaptable: If too many 1–4 tiles vanish from the table or you start picking up 5–6–7–8–9 that can form easier melds, consider switching strategies.