Mahjong Scoring Basics
Last updated: 2026-06-18
After winning, how many points you gain (or pay) depends on fu and han. Understanding scoring helps you decide when to reach, push, or defend. This guide outlines the flow and links to fu, han, and score-table articles.
Scoring Overview
Typical riichi scoring steps:
- Count yaku (han) — at least one han is required to win
- Calculate fu — round up to multiples of 10
- Base points — fu × 2^(han+2) (or table for limit hands)
- Payments — dealer vs non-dealer, ron vs tsumo
Dora, honba, riichi sticks, and pot sticks add on top. Start by learning fu and han together.
Fu, Han, and Points
Han (yaku strength)
Han measures yaku strength. At the same fu, 2 han doubles base points versus 1 han. See Counting Han.
Common yaku: Riichi (1), Tanyao (1), Pinfu (1 closed), Iipeikou (1).
Fu (hand complexity)
Fu comes from melds, head, wait type, and win method. Exceptions like pinfu tsumo at 20 fu exist. Details in Fu Calculation Basics.
Winning shape example
A closed seven pairs win is often 2 han 25 fu. Use the score table in real games.
Tenpai candidate for tanyao / pinfu. Wait type affects fu.
Base points and payments
Base = fu × 2^(han+2). Child ron: base × 4 from discarder; dealer ron: × 6; tsumo splits differ by dealer position. See Score Table Guide.
Study Order
Pair with Tile Efficiency for full-hand judgment.
Yaku recognition training is live—practice reading hand-inherent yaku. Full point-calculation drills are still planned; start with yaku recognition, then use this guide and the score table for fu, han, and points.