Ryanpeikou
二盃口 | Ryanpeikou
The hand contains two separate sets of identical sequences (two iipeiko patterns).
By Kenji Tanaka · Updated
Overview
Ryanpeikou, two sets of identical sequences, is a 3-han yaku, available only on a closed hand, formed when your hand contains two separate pairs of identical sequences, for example two runs of 2-3-4 and two runs of 6-7-8. It is the doubled, upgraded form of iipeikou, and because it requires four sequences arranged as two identical pairs plus a pair, it is among the higher-value closed sequence yaku. Ryanpeikou cannot coexist with chiitoitsu under standard rules, since the same tiles are scored as a standard four-meld hand rather than seven pairs, and the four-meld reading takes priority for its higher value. It pairs well with pinfu, tanyao, junchan, and chinitsu, and a closed ryanpeikou loaded with dora can climb into haneman territory. Because it needs a very specific doubled structure, ryanpeikou is uncommon and usually emerges from a tightly one-or-two-suited closed hand with repeating runs.
Example Hand
112233m 556677p 88s
Conditions
- The hand must contain two different pairs of identical sequences (e.g., two copies of 1-2-3m and two copies of 5-6-7p)
- The hand must be fully concealed (closed only); any open call disqualifies this yaku
- Worth 3 han, closed only
- Ryanpeikou supersedes iipeiko; if you have ryanpeikou, you do not also count iipeiko
- Although a ryanpeikou hand can look identical to a chiitoitsu hand tile-for-tile, the two yaku are mutually exclusive; you score one or the other, not both
- The pair must be separate from the four sequences
Strategy Tips
- Ryanpeikou is extremely rare and should not be actively pursued. Instead, recognize it when you are already building toward iipeiko and notice a second pair of identical sequences forming.
- Since the hand must be closed, avoid calling chi even when tempting tiles appear. Maintaining a closed hand preserves the option for ryanpeikou and also keeps pinfu and riichi as potential additions.
- If your hand qualifies as both ryanpeikou and chiitoitsu in terms of tile composition, choose whichever interpretation gives you a higher score. Ryanpeikou at 3 han typically scores higher than chiitoitsu at 2 han, especially if you can also count pinfu or tanyao.