Ichitonkan
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Return to Yaku TableCare must be taken when seeking to complete a hand with Ichitonkan by going Ron when no other Yaku (including Riichi or going Tsumo) are present. In the photograph, each of the three hands is Tenpai. However, when no other Yaku is present, only in the hand shown at the top will Ichitonkan be valid for going Ron without declaring Riichi because it is the only hand in which there is absolutely no choice in either the possible finishing tile, or in the allocation of that tile within the hand. The middle hand shows just how strict the rule is. Even though the hand can be completed with only one tile, the 2-Bamboo, Ichitonkan will not count. This is because although the 2-Bamboo can indeed be slotted between the 1 and 3-Bamboo to complete a run of one to nine, it can also be attached to one of the other 2-Bamboo as the head (the remaining 2-Bamboo then slots between the 1 and 3-Bamboo). The hand at the bottom of the photograph may be completed with a choice of three possible tiles, 3, 6, or 9-Bamboo. Even if the hand is completed with a 9-Bamboo Ichitonkan is not valid if completed by going Ron because there are other finishing possibilities. In other words... if you find yourself in this sort of situation either seek to change your hand, declare Riichi, or sit tight and hope to go out on Tsumo! |
