Chapter 5: From Mahjong Novice to Expert
【Application of Suji Lines】
1、Suji Lines in Numbered Tiles
When playing mahjong, we often mention terms like 147, 258, and 369 – these are suji tiles .
Take Bamboo tiles as an example:
- 2-3 Bamboo requires 1-4 Bamboo.
- 5-6 Bamboo requires 4-7 Bamboo.
- 2-3-4-5-6 Bamboo requires 1-4-7 Bamboo.
Thus, when holding 2-3 Bamboo and 5-6 Bamboo, the 4 Bamboo becomes a shared potential tile draw (repeated "jinzhang"), forming a continuous line. Hence, 1-4-7 Bamboo belongs to the same suji line. Similarly, 258 and 369 are also part of a single suji line.
2、Understanding & Applying Suji Tile Mnemonics
1. Mnemonic 1: Discard 1 in 147; Discard 5 in 258; Discard 9 in 369
For Potential Draws:
When holding isolated suji tiles of the same suit:
- "Discard 1 in 147": 1-4-7 share a suji line. "1" has the weakest tile coordination ability (besides forming a pair), as it only pairs with 2/3. Its value is lower than "4" (e.g., 1-2 Bamboo < 2-4 Bamboo; 1-3 Bamboo < 3-4 Bamboo).
- "Discard 9 in 369": Similar logic to discarding 1 (not elaborated).
- "Discard 5 in 258" (Controversial):
When holding 2-5-8 of the same suit:
- Discarding 2 loses 2 potential draws (1, 2).
- Discarding 8 loses 2 potential draws (8, 9).
- Discarding 5 loses only 1 potential draw (5), while 8 other tiles (1,3,4,6,7,8 + paired 2/8) can form combinations with 2 or 8.
2. Mnemonic 2: "Missing One Lane, Beware of Tricks"
For Discard Pile Analysis:
"One Lane" = a single suji line.
Example (3-6-9 Bamboo):
If tiles 1,2,4,5,7,8 Bamboo have been discarded, but 3,6,9 Bamboo are absent, someone likely needs them. Discard cautiously to avoid dealing into a loss.
3. Mnemonic 3: "Discard 4 Before 2? Probably Holds Pair 1"
For Tile Coordination Logic:
- Normally, if holding 2-4 Bamboo and needing to discard: discard 2 first (4 has better coordination potential).
- But if you hold a pair of 1 Bamboo, discard 4 first – the value of "2" increases since pairing 1 makes 2-3 a valid wait. Hence, "Discard 4 Before 2? Probably Holds Pair 1".
- Similarly, "Discard 6 Before 8? Probably Holds Pair 9".
4. Mnemonic 4: "Discard 2 Before 1? Needs 3 or 6"
For Reading Opponents:
- Normally, if holding 1-2 Bamboo: discard 1 first (2 coordinates better; e.g., 2 can still pair with 3 later).
- But if someone discards 2 before 1, they likely have 3 or 6 (e.g., 4-5 Bamboo waiting to pair with 3). Hence, "Discard 2 Before 1? Needs 3 or 6".
- Similarly, "Discard 8 Before 9? Needs 4 or 7".
Key Takeaway: When holding 1-2-4-5 Bamboo, discard 1 first, then 2 to avoid revealing your strategy.
3、Offensive & Defensive Use of Suji Tiles
1. Defense: Reading Opponent's Hand
Since 2-3 Bamboo requires 1/4 Bamboo:
- When an opponent discards 4 Bamboo, they likely don’t need 1 Bamboo (unless holding a pair of 1).
- They may also not need 7 Bamboo (unless holding a pair of 7 or an 8-9 edge wait).
- Apply this logic to other suji lines (147, 369).
2. Offense: Creating Traps
Use defensive logic to plan attacks.
Example: If your waiting hand is Bamboo, and both 1 and 4 Bamboo seem safe:
- Discard 4 Bamboo instead of 1.
- This may bait opponents into discarding 7 Bamboo, dealing into your hand.
