Riichi Mahjong Yaku
Riichi
Also known as: Ready Hand · 立直
A declaration made with a closed hand in tenpai after paying a 1,000-point deposit.
Yaku value
Closed hand
1 Han
Open hand
Closed only
Requirements
Keep the hand closed, reach tenpai, have at least 1,000 points, declare Riichi before discarding, and place the discard sideways with a Riichi stick.
How to recognize it
- The hand is closed: no Chi, Pon, or open Kan has been called.
- The hand is already in tenpai before the declaration discard.
- The player has at least 1,000 points for the deposit.
- After declaring, the hand and its wait are normally locked.
When to pursue it
Riichi is strongest when the hand is already efficient and the wait is reasonable. The declaration adds a Yaku, creates access to Ippatsu and Ura Dora, and pressures opponents to defend.
When to change course
Keep flexibility when the wait is weak, opponents are already dangerous, or changing the hand could produce a much better wait. An open hand and a player with fewer than 1,000 points cannot declare.
Hand examples
Closed hand declared in tenpai
Winning tile
- Hand context
- The player kept every group concealed and declared before the final discard. The 13-tile display shows the ready hand, with the winning tile shown separately.
- Qualifies
- Riichi depends on the declaration state, not on a particular tile pattern. Any legal closed tenpai shape can qualify.
- Scoring note
- Riichi is 1 Han. Other Yaku, Dora, Ippatsu, and Ura Dora are counted separately when applicable.
A different shape can still declare
Winning tile
- Hand context
- This hand also remained closed and reached tenpai before the player committed to the declaration.
- Qualifies
- Sequences, triplets, pairs, and the wait shape do not by themselves prevent Riichi. The hand only needs to be closed and in tenpai.
- Scoring note
- The deposit is returned to the winner together with any other Riichi sticks on the table.
One called sequence removes Riichi
Winning tile
- Hand context
- The sideways 2 Man marks an open 2-3-4 sequence that was called from another player.
- Does not qualify
- The hand may be in tenpai and otherwise complete, but it is no longer closed. Riichi cannot be declared after a Chi, Pon, or open Kan.
- Scoring note
- No Riichi Han is awarded. The hand needs another Yaku before it can win.
Common scoring mistake
After declaring, the hand is normally locked. A concealed Kan is allowed only when it does not change the hand structure or waits under the table rules.
Values follow common modern Riichi rules. Local and tournament rules may differ, especially for double Yakuman.