Riichi Yaku: Requirements, Value, and Risk
Sep 22, 2026 · 5 min read
Riichi is both a yaku and the defining mechanic of Riichi Mahjong. You can declare it any time your hand is tenpai (one tile away from winning) and still closed (no open Pon/Chi/Kan).
Requirements to Declare Riichi
- Your hand must be tenpai.
- Your hand must be closed (menzen) -- no open Pon/Chi/Kan at all.
- You need at least 1000 points to pay as the bet.
- At least 4 tiles must remain in the wall at the time of declaration.
Why Riichi Is Worth More Than 1 Han
Riichi itself is worth 1 han, but it opens the door to more: Ippatsu (winning within one go-around after declaring, uninterrupted), and most importantly, Ura Dora -- a hidden extra dora indicator revealed ONLY when you win while in riichi. That combination is why riichi hands often end up far pricier than they first look.
An example closed, tenpai hand -- Riichi can be declared the moment a hand like this is one tile away from winning, with no special shape required.
Once you riichi, your hand is locked -- you must discard whatever you draw each turn (with narrow exceptions for certain Ankan), and can no longer rearrange your hand.
Learn when the best moment to declare riichi actually is.
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