Sanshoku Doujun
三色同順 | Sanshoku Doujun
Complete the same numerical sequence in all three suits.
By Kenji Tanaka · Updated
Overview
Sanshoku doujun, three colored sequences, is a yaku worth 2 han closed and 1 han open, earned when you hold the same numbered run in all three suits at once, for example 2-3-4 in characters, circles, and bamboo. It is a popular value-adding goal because it layers neatly onto otherwise ordinary sequence hands and combines well with pinfu, tanyao, and junchan or chanta when the shared run sits at the edges. The challenge is coordination: you must gather three specific sequences across all suits, which narrows your useful tiles and can slow the hand, so players often spot a sanshoku possibility early and shape their discards to keep all three runs alive. Because it survives opening at reduced value, sanshoku is also a common target for calling hands. A closed sanshoku reinforced with dora can climb well past mangan, making it one of the most rewarding mid-level yaku to aim for.
Example Hand
123m 123p 123s 78s 99z
Conditions
- The hand must contain the same sequence (same three consecutive numbers) in all three suits: characters (m), circles (p), and bamboo (s)
- For example, 1-2-3 in characters, 1-2-3 in circles, and 1-2-3 in bamboo
- The remaining meld and pair can be anything
- Worth 2 han when the hand is closed, 1 han when open
Strategy Tips
- When you have the same sequence completed in two suits, actively look for the third suit to complete sanshoku. Check the discard piles to see if the needed tiles are still available.
- There are only nine possible sanshoku combinations (123, 234, 345, 456, 567, 678, 789 across all three suits), so learn to spot the pattern early in your hand.
- Sanshoku pairs naturally with tanyao if you use middle sequences (234 through 678) or with chanta if you use terminal sequences (123 or 789).