Shousuushii
小四喜 | Shousuushii
Collect triplets of three different wind tiles and use the fourth wind as your pair.
By Kenji Tanaka · Updated
Overview
Shousuushii, the little four winds, is a yakuman built from triplets of three of the four wind tiles plus a pair of the fourth wind, so all four winds appear in the hand with three as complete sets and one as the pair. The remaining structure is filled by one more meld. It is the lesser of the two wind yakuman, with its bigger sibling daisuushii requiring all four winds as full triplets. Shousuushii pairs naturally with honitsu or tsuuiisou, since a wind-and-honor-heavy hand often qualifies for both, producing a massive score. Because each wind has only four copies and you need three of three different winds plus a pair of the fourth, assembling shousuushii usually relies on calling pon and on a starting hand already rich in winds. Opponents tend to recognize the threat once multiple wind triplets appear, so timing and tile availability are the main obstacles to completing it.
Example Hand
111z 222z 333z 44z 678p
Conditions
- The hand must contain triplets (or kans) of three different wind tiles (any three of East, South, West, North)
- The fourth wind must be used as the hand’s pair
- The remaining meld can be any valid meld (sequence or triplet)
- The hand can be open — calling pon on wind tiles is allowed
- This is considered a yakuman in standard Riichi rules
Strategy Tips
- Shousuushii requires heavy investment in wind tiles. If your starting hand contains two wind pairs and a wind triplet, it is worth considering, but be realistic about collecting a third wind triplet when each wind has only four tiles total.
- Because the fourth wind is used as the pair rather than a triplet, shousuushii is somewhat more achievable than daisuushii. If you are pursuing daisuushii and realize the fourth wind triplet is unlikely, you can pivot to shousuushii by keeping that wind as your pair instead.
- Opponents who see you with two or three open wind triplets will recognize the danger. They will hold wind tiles tightly, so try to collect as many winds as possible before revealing your intent through open calls.