Riichi Mahjong · Closed 2 / open 2
Sanshoku Doukou (Triple Triplets) in Riichi Mahjong: Han, Examples and Odds
In riichi mahjong, Sanshoku doukou (triple triplets) is worth 2 han: a triplet (or kan) of the same number in each of characters, dots and bamboo. Called triplets are fine, and it stays 2 han with an open hand.
On this page
The rules for Sanshoku doukou
- A triplet or kan of the same number in characters, dots and bamboo
- Pon, open kan, concealed triplet or closed kan all count; 2 han when open
- Suited tiles only: honors have no suit
- The fourth set and the pair are free
How Sanshoku doukou is scored
The yaku, han, fu and points below are computed live by the same scoring code the game uses.
Ron
| Sanshoku doukou | 2 han |
| Total | 2 han 40 fu · 2,600 points |
|---|
Non-dealer, East round, no dora, no honba.
Ron
| Tanyao | 1 han |
| Sanshoku doukou | 2 han |
| Toitoi | 2 han |
| Total | 5 han 30 fu · Mangan · 8,000 points |
|---|
Non-dealer, East round, no dora, no honba.
With three triplets already in place, it often comes with toitoi and sanankou:
| Combination | Han |
|---|---|
| Sanshoku doukou | 2 |
| Sanshoku doukou + toitoi | 4 |
| Sanshoku doukou + toitoi + tanyao | 5 |
| Sanshoku doukou + sanankou | 4 |
| Sanshoku doukou + toitoi + sanankou | 6 |
How it relates to other yaku
- Sanshoku doujun: three same-number sequences — far more common.
- Toitoi: three triplets are already there; make the fourth set a triplet too and it's toitoi.
- Sanankou: draw all three yourself and sanankou is added.
- Tanyao: with a number from 2 to 8 and only simples elsewhere, tanyao comes along. 1s or 9s pair naturally with honroutou or chanta.
Sanshoku doukou odds
Sanshoku doukou needs one number in all three suits: there are only 12 of those tiles, and you need 9 of them. As soon as one of them is called by someone else or two copies are discarded, it's gone. That is why it's so much rarer than sanshoku doujun.
In 40,000 hands (33,226 wins) between four normal-level computers on this site, sanshoku doukou appeared only 3 times — about once every 13,333 hands. In the same games sanshoku doujun was in 1.6% of wins.
| Yaku | Share of wins |
|---|---|
| Sanshoku doujun | 1.6% |
| Ittsu | 0.57% |
| Honitsu | 0.76% |
| Toitoi | 0.19% |
| Sanankou | 0.26% |
| Chanta | 0.25% |
| Junchan | 0.042% |
| Ryanpeikou | 0.021% |
| Chinitsu | 0.027% |
| Shousangen | 0.0060% |
| Honroutou | 0% |
| Sanshoku doukou | 0.0090% |
Source: 40,000 computer hands on this site (all four at normal level), 33,226 wins. A win usually has several yaku, so the shares add up to more than 100%.
Sanshoku doukou in other mahjong styles
- Chinese Official (Guobiao): "Triple Pung", 16 fan (Guobiao fan list)
- American mahjong: the whole "Like Numbers" category is one number across the suits (American mahjong Like Numbers)
To try it yourself, open a table of free online riichi mahjong — the points are counted for you.
FAQ
How many han is Sanshoku doukou?
Sanshoku doukou is 2 han, and still 2 han when open.
What's the difference from Sanshoku doujun?
Sanshoku doukou is three same-number triplets and keeps its han when open. Sanshoku doujun is three same-number sequences: 2 han closed, 1 open, and far more common.
Can honor tiles make Sanshoku doukou?
No. The three "colors" are the three suits — characters, dots and bamboo.
Related yaku
Sanshoku Closed 2 / open 1
The same sequence in all three suits — 2 han closed, 1 open. Examples, common combos and how to spot a sanshoku chance.
Toitoi Closed 2 / open 2
Four triplets and a pair, still 2 han when open. Examples, scoring combos and how many starting pairs you need.
Sanankou Closed 2 / open 2
Three self-drawn triplets, 2 han even when open. The shanpon-ron trap, why the fu are high, and how it differs from suuankou.
Try it at the table
Riichi Mahjong — Play Japanese Riichi Mahjong free in your browser against three AI opponents. Standard online rules with red fives, ippatsu and ura dora, a yaku guide, wait and furiten hints, and three AI levels. No sign-up.