The Value and Strategies of Playing Pairs in Mahjong
I. Tile Efficiency Value of Pairs
The previous two chapters covered the efficiency and discard strategy of single tiles. Now, we focus on pairs. The logical order for discarding single tiles is "first terminals (1s and 9s), then 2s and 8s, followed by middle tiles." Of course, honor tiles are discarded first.
The value of a pair = how easy it is to pung = how likely its single version is to be discarded. In other words, a single tile with lower efficiency is discarded more easily, making its corresponding pair easier to pung. Therefore, the value ranking is:
Honor Pairs > Terminal (1/9) Pairs > 2/8 Pairs > 4/5/6 Pairs > 3/7 Pairs
II. Key Principles for Playing Pairs
There are six key principles for handling pairs. Remember, these are not absolute rules but apply to over 80% of situations, forming a solid foundation for practical play.
1. One Pair? Secure the Eye. (Discard 8 Bamboo, secure 9 Bamboo as the eye)
Example: Your hand is one step from ready. With only the 9 Bamboo pair kept as the potential eye, the 8 Bamboo loses significance and should be discarded.
2. Two Pairs? Discard a Sequence. (Discard the weaker sequence)
Example: With two pairs and two sequences one step from ready, if the combined value of the pairs exceeds one sequence, discard that sequence. In this hand, the 8-9 Bamboo sequence should be discarded.
3. Three Pairs? Discard One Pair. (Discard the hardest-to-pung pair)
Example: With three pairs one step from ready, remember that pairs only offer two tiles for improvement, whereas sequences offer at least four—hence the saying "prefer a closed wait over a pair wait." Among the 5 Bamboo, 8 Bamboo, and 9 Circle pairs, the 9 Circle is easier to pung, and the 5 Bamboo offers better improvement potential. The 8 Bamboo pair has the lowest composite value and should be discarded.
4. Four Pairs? Pung When Possible. (Considers Seven Pairs win condition)
Example: With four pairs, if you haven't progressed toward Seven Pairs after several rounds or opponents are advancing quickly, pung immediately when possible to change your strategy.
5. Five Pairs? Three Tiles Await One. (Considers Seven Pairs win condition)
Example: With five pairs, you are one step from ready for Seven Pairs. Any of the three single tiles completing a pair achieves readiness, often faster than pursuing a standard pung-based ready hand. Focus on completing the Seven Pairs.
6. Six Pairs? Wait for the Single. (Considers Seven Pairs win condition)
Example: With six pairs, your hand is ready for Seven Pairs, waiting on the lone single tile that hasn't been paired yet—in this case, the 5 Circle.
