Qualification and value are different
A yaku gives a Riichi hand a qualifying scoring condition. Dora adds value to a qualifying hand; collecting dora does not by itself provide a yaku. That distinction is why an attractive completed hand can still be unable to win.
When learning, name your intended yaku before chasing bonus tiles. If you open a set, check that your route still works. Keep the exact open/closed conditions beside the name of the yaku.
Make the plan visible to yourself
During a practice review, write a one-sentence plan: “This hand qualifies because…” Then inspect the action that changed it. Did a call remove your closed-hand route? Did you assume a bonus was a condition?
This exercise does not identify the optimal discard. It separates a rules misunderstanding from a strategy decision, which makes reviewing your play more productive.
Use a named rulebook
EMA and WRC publish named competition rules and supporting updates. Check the edition and the event’s options before treating a detail as universal. For example, eligibility to win on a discard also involves furiten; a qualifying yaku is not the only check.
Our rules page describes Riichi as played in Hé Fēn. For a competition, use the organiser’s chosen rulebook.
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Sources & scope
An original Hé Fēn explanation with our own teaching examples. Reference links checked 13 September 2026. We are not affiliated with these organisations.
- Riichi rules, 2025 edition European Mahjong Association. Competition rules for EMA play. Use the published edition and its annotations; other Riichi tables can differ.
- WRC rules and clarifications World Riichi Championship. The 2025 rules, clarification notices and optional rules. A distinct competition standard, not a universal label for every Riichi game.