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Yakuman – How mahjong is played.

What is Yakuman?

Yakuman is a hand in Mahjong that scores extremely high due to fulfilling specific conditions. A single Yakuman scores more than a regular limit hand (Baiman, 8 Han).
According to common rules, there are 12 types of Yakuman.

What is Kazoe Yakuman?

Kazoe Yakuman (Counted Yakuman) is a special rule where a combination of non-Yakuman hands reaches a total of 13 Han or more, thereby qualifying as a Yakuman.
Unlike regular Yakuman, it is achieved by combining multiple hands, making it harder to aim for intentionally but possible under certain conditions.

Although aiming for Kazoe Yakuman is challenging, having many Dora tiles and combining them with other hands can lead to its formation.

Example: "Chin Itsu (6 Han) + Toitoi (2 Han) + 6 Dora tiles (6 Han)" = 14 Han → Kazoe Yakuman.

However, some house rules may not recognize Kazoe Yakuman, even if the total exceeds 13 Han.

About Pao (Responsibility Payment)

Pao is a responsibility payment rule applied when a Yakuman is completed with the assistance of another player. The player who enabled the Yakuman must either pay the entire score or bear part of the burden.

Situations Where Pao Applies

Pao primarily occurs with the following Yakuman:

Pao in Dai San Gen

When a player allows another to call (Pon) White (Haku), Green (Hatsu), or Red (Chun), resulting in the completion of Dai San Gen, the assisting player becomes responsible under the Pao rule.

Pao in Dai Suu Shii

When a player allows another to call all four wind tiles (East, South, West, North), resulting in the completion of Dai Suu Shii.

Pao in Tsu Iisou

When a player allows another to call character tiles (字牌), completing Tsu Iisou.

Pao Rules and Payment Methods

Full Responsibility Payment

The player under Pao pays the entire score.

Split Payment

The player under Pao pays a portion of the score, with the remaining amount shared among other players.

Note: Specific rules for Pao may vary depending on the house or region.

Yakuman List

Suuankou(Four Concealed Triplets)

Form four triplets and a pair, all concealed

Complete the hand with four sets of triplets, all concealed. ※Winning on a single wait for the pair may count as a Double Yakuman (house rule).

Daisangen(Big Three Dragons)

Dragon tiles: White, Green, Red

Complete the hand with all three dragon triplets (White, Green, and Red).

Kokushi Musou(Thirteen Orphans)

One of each terminal and honor tile

Pair of any one of the thirteen tiles

Complete the hand with one of each terminal and honor tile, and one pair of any of these tiles.

Ryuuiisou(All Green)

All green tiles: 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 of bamboo, and Green Dragon

Green Dragon

Complete the hand using only the "green" tiles, which are 2, 3, 4, 6, 8 of bamboo, and the Green Dragon tile.

Tsuuiisou(All Honors)

using only honor tiles

Calling allowed

Complete the hand using only honor tiles, which consist of dragon and wind tiles.

Chinroutou(All Terminals)

Complete the hand with only terminal tiles (1 and 9)

Calling allowed

Complete all the melds and the pair with only terminal tiles (1 and 9).

Suu Kantsu(Four Kongs)

head

Perform 4 kans (quads)

Complete all four melds with kongs (kans), which can be either closed or open kongs. ※ Due to the difficulty, some rules treat this as a Double Yakuman.

Shosushi(Little Four Winds)

Wind tiles: East, South, West, North

Complete the hand with three wind triplets and one pair of a wind tile. This hand is considered a Little Four Winds.

Daisushi(Big Four Winds)

Wind tiles: East, South, West, North

Complete all the melds using wind tiles (East, South, West, North). Having a pair of one wind and triplets of the other three counts as Big Four Winds.

Chuuren Poutou(Nine Gates)

Form the pattern [111 2345678 999 + X] using only one suit

X

Create the pattern [111 2345678 999 + X] using one suit (Manzu, Pinzu, or Souzu). X can be any tile. If won with a 9-sided wait, this is considered a "Pure Nine Gates," often treated as a double Yakuman.

Chiho(Earthly Hand)

Complete 4 melds and a pair, or Seven Pairs, with the first draw

If the player is the non-dealer and is already in tenpai with their starting hand of 13 tiles, and completes their hand with the first draw, the hand is considered an Earthly Hand. Only 4 melds and 1 pair pattern is allowed.

Tenhou(Heavenly Hand)

Achieve a winning hand from the dealer's first dealt hand

Win with the initial 14 tiles that are dealt to you as the dealer, without drawing any tiles. This hand is considered a Heavenly Hand.

Conclusion

Yakuman is one of the highlights of Mahjong, offering immense satisfaction upon completion due to its difficulty. By understanding the rules and conditions and making appropriate judgments, you can enhance the enjoyment of your games and aim for these legendary hands.