Riichi Mastery — Strategy & Defense
Riichi Mastery — Strategy & Defense
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Most Riichi points are lost on defence, not won on offence.
When to push, when to fold, and how to read the discard river.
Push or fold
A concrete framework using hand value, shape, turn number and score position.
Reading the river
Suji, kabe, one-chance, and what a discard order actually tells you.
Safe tile management
Keeping an exit available without crippling your own hand.
Riichi judgement
When to declare, when to damaten, and what each does to the table.
Score-aware play
How the standings should change your risk appetite, especially in the final hand.
Made for you if
- You can play but deal into big hands too often
- You want to climb ranks online
Probably not if
- You're new to Riichi — get the Bundle, which includes the beginner book
Which ruleset?
Standard Japanese Riichi as used on the major online platforms, with notes on common variations.
Is this for you?
Is this for you?
Made for you if
You can play but deal into big hands too often
You want to climb ranks online
Probably not if
You're new to Riichi — get the Bundle, which includes the beginner book
Delivery & access
Delivery & access
The download link appears on the confirmation screen and arrives by email within a minute.
Files stay available at that link — re-download whenever you need.
Because these are digital files, purchases are non-refundable. If a file will not open, contact us and we will fix it.
Riichi Mastery — Strategy & Defense
You lose more points defending badly than you win attacking well.
You build good hands. Then you deal into a big one at the wrong moment and the round is gone.
Most Riichi improvement is not offensive. It is knowing when the hand you are holding is no longer worth the risk.
Defence, written by people who climbed with it.
The push-fold framework here is not theory. It is the decision procedure our ranked players use, written down in the order they actually apply it: hand value, shape, turn, then score position.
Read the river the same way and the big deal-ins mostly stop.
Inside Riichi Mastery — Strategy & Defense
When to push, when to fold, and how to read the discard river.
Push or fold
A concrete framework using hand value, shape, turn number and score position.
Reading the river
Suji, kabe, one-chance, and what a discard order actually tells you.
Safe tile management
Keeping an exit available without crippling your own hand.
Riichi judgement
When to declare, when to damaten, and what each does to the table.
Score-aware play
How the standings should change your risk appetite, especially in the final hand.
Push, fold, and read the river
A concrete framework using hand value, shape, turn number and score position — plus suji, kabe, one-chance, and what discard order actually tells you.
You stop guessing at the moment the round is decided.
Why this beats figuring it out alone
| What you actually get | This guide | On your own | Free videos |
|---|---|---|---|
| Push or fold | Included | Work it out yourself | Scattered |
| Reading the river | Included | Trial and error | Random quality |
| Safe tile management | Included | Ask the table | Hit or miss |
| Riichi judgement | Included | Guesswork | Rarely covered |
| Score-aware play | Included | Work it out yourself | Scattered |
Riichi Mastery — Strategy & Defense
Most Riichi points are lost on defence, not won on offence.
- Push or fold
- Reading the river
- Safe tile management
- Riichi judgement
- Score-aware play
Instant download · Print-ready PDF · No subscription
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A community of players and strategists dedicated to American Mah Jongg. Our mission is to bring clear, practical knowledge to players at every level — because smarter players win more.
We don't believe in fluff, recycled tips, or confusing explanations. Instead we create structured lessons that actually teach you how to think at the table: from your first Charleston pass to reading opponents' discards under pressure.
Every lesson is clear, practical and available on demand. Watch at your own pace, rewatch as often as you need. No subscriptions, no distractions.
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7 questions answered
Which ruleset?
Standard Japanese Riichi as used on the major online platforms, with notes on common variations.
How do I access my files after purchase?
Two ways. The download link appears on the order confirmation screen the moment payment goes through, and the same link is emailed to you within about a minute.
Keep that email — the link stays live, so you can re-download whenever you need.
Can I get a refund?
Because these are digital files delivered instantly, purchases are non-refundable and orders cannot be cancelled once the link has been issued.
That said, this policy is not a way to avoid problems. If a link fails, a file will not open, you were charged twice, or you received the wrong product, contact us — we will replace the files or refund you.
Can I print the guides?
All of them. Every file is built for a home printer on standard paper, with type sized to stay readable when printed. Many customers print the Cheat Sheet and keep it beside the card.
Are updates included?
Yes, within the year you bought. If we correct or improve a guide you own, the updated file appears at your existing download link at no cost.
The Mastery Bundle and Date Night Bundle also include next year's Cheat Sheet free when the new card is released.
Are you affiliated with other companies?
No. Mahjong Key operates exclusively under its own name and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to the National Mah Jongg League, any other brand, seller, or third-party product.
If you buy Mah Jongg material from another source, it is not ours — we cannot vouch for its accuracy and cannot support it. To be sure you are getting the real thing, buy only through our official channels.
How can I reach out to you?
Use our contact page and we will get back to you. We aim to reply within one working day.