Two Terminal Chows

What Is Two Terminal Chows

Two Terminal Chows in Chinese Mahjong is a 1-fan pattern requiring 1-2-3 and 7-8-9 in the same suit. This arrangement can occur naturally when you focus on a single suit or maintain flexible chow-building. Although it yields only a single extra fan, it can pair nicely with bigger chow-based patterns like a Full Straight or a Full Flush. Stay aware of tile availability and remain ready to pivot if forming these specific chows becomes too challenging or if a higher-scoring path emerges.

The Tile Pattern of Two Terminal Chows

• 1-2-3 + 7-8-9 of the same suit.

Examples:

• 1-2-3 of Craks + 7-8-9 of Craks
• 1-2-3 of Bams + 7-8-9 of Bams

Fan Value of Two Terminal Chows

In Chinese Mahjong scoring, Two Terminal Chows is worth 1 fan.

Strategies and Considerations of Two Terminal Chows

Look for Early Clues: If you pick up partial sequences such as 1-2 in Craks and 7-8 in Craks, be alert. Completing them for both 1-2-3 and 7-8-9 might be relatively straightforward.

Synergy with Other Chow-Based Patterns:

• Short Straight if you also form, for example, 4-5-6, though that typically involves consecutive sequences in the mid-range (e.g., 3-4-5 & 4-5-6) rather than 1-2-3 & 7-8-9.
• Full Straight, which is 1-2-3, 4-5-6, and 7-8-9 in the same suit, is worth a much higher fan count (8 fan). If you already have 1-2-3 and 7-8-9 in one suit, you only need to complete 4-5-6 in that suit to achieve a Full Straight.

Suit Focus: Committing to one suit (e.g., aiming for a Mixed One-Suit or a Full Flush ) often leads to multiple consecutive sets.