Ruleset guide
Riichi Mahjong Explained
Mahjong variants share tiles and vocabulary, but procedure and scoring must stay attached to a named ruleset.
Context: RIICHIA Riichi hand needs a valid structure and at least one yaku. Riichi is one possible yaku; dora add value but are not yaku.
Shared foundation
Riichi uses the familiar suited and honor core and a four-player draw-discard flow.
- The standard structure remains common.
- Open and closed status matters.
Defining rules
Riichi adds its own declaration, bonus, defense, payment, and round systems.
- Dora alone cannot authorize a win.
- Furiten can block a discard win.
- Check red-five settings and use Japanese score tables.
At the table
Use the official or organizer-approved document for disputes. Agree on minimums, bonuses, payments, and local options before dealing.
Key takeaways
- Riichi uses the familiar suited and honor core and a four-player draw-discard flow.
- Riichi adds its own declaration, bonus, defense, payment, and round systems.
- Do not merge advice from different rulesets.
Questions beginners ask
Can dora alone make a Riichi hand legal?
No. The hand needs at least one yaku; dora then add value.
Lesson checkpoint
Finish lesson & practice Turn the explanation into recall.
Source notes
Reviewed references
- WRC Rules 2025World Riichi Championship ยท Reviewed 2026-10-14
Riichi terminology, yaku requirement, furiten, dora, and competitive procedure.