Quadruple Chow

What Is Quadruple Chow

Quadruple Chow stands among the most challenging and highest-value hands in Chinese Mahjong, offering a whopping 48 fan. To achieve it, you must collect four identical chows (each the same 3-tile sequence) in one suit, then add a pair to complete the standard 14-tile hand. Because you need 12 specific tiles for those four repeated runs, the pattern is exceptionally rare and conspicuous once you begin calling the same chow multiple times. Yet, if luck and strategy align—and you outmaneuver opponents who may hold back your target ranks—“Quadruple Chow” can deliver a spectacular victory that may singlehandedly reshape the entire game.

The Tile Pattern of Quadruple Chow

Quadruple Chow is an extremely rare and high-value pattern where you form four identical chows in a single suit. For example, if you choose the Bams suit and decide on the sequence 4–5–6, you would have:

• 4–5–6 Bams
• 4–5–6 Bams
• 4–5–6 Bams
• 4–5–6 Bams

Because a legal 14-tile Mahjong hand must have four melds (sets) plus one pair, the quadruple chow accounts for all four melds, using 12 tiles in total. You still need one pair (two identical tiles) to reach the required 14 tiles for a winning hand.

Fan Value of Quadruple Chow

Under Chinese rules, Quadruple Chow is awarded 48 fan—one of the highest possible scores from a single pattern in the standard listing. This extraordinary value reflects how difficult it is to assemble four identical sequences in the same suit, given you need 12 precisely matching tiles for those four melds.

Strategies and Considerations of Quadruple Chow

Check for Partial Sequences: If you notice, say, 4–5 in Bamboos repeating multiple times in your opening hand, it might be a hint you can chase four identical chows. However, this pattern is so specific and rare that many players only spot the chance mid-game if they keep drawing the same run.

Decide Quickly on One Suit: Because you need 12 tiles forming the same sequence in a single suit, discard other suits to increase your chance of drawing or claiming the necessary tiles.

Chow Calls: To form a chow from an opponent’s discard, that discard must come from the player on your immediate left. Also, calling a chow reveals part of your strategy. If you do so repeatedly, opponents may guess you want multiple identical chows in that suit.

Concealed Approach: If you somehow self-draw all the needed tiles, you can remain concealed, which might grant additional small bonuses for a fully concealed hand or self-draw. But the bigger challenge is ensuring you get the exact same run four times.

Detectable Pattern: Once you show or call more than two identical chows, opponents may realize you’re building something huge, such as “Quadruple Chow.” They could hold onto or avoid discarding crucial ranks if they suspect you only need that sequence. Because each 3-tile sequence uses specific ranks (e.g., 4, 5, 6), you must ensure enough copies remain unclaimed. If key tiles are heavily discarded or melded, you might have to abandon this path.

Potential Overlaps

• Full Flush: If your entire hand is in one suit, you technically also fulfill a “Full Flush,” but “Quadruple Chow” (48 fan) is higher value.
• All Chows: You do have all chows, but typically the largest single pattern (48 fan) supersedes lower-value overlaps.
• Self-Draw Bonus: If you self-draw the final tile, some local rules grant an extra 2 fan. But overshadowed by your big 48-fan core reward.

Severe Tile Needs: You require 4 copies each of three consecutive ranks (total 12 tiles for the chows) plus a pair. A single shortage in the discard pool can ruin the pattern. Achieving “Quadruple Chow” usually yields a spectacular payout, often sealing a commanding lead.