How to Declare Riichi in Mahjong (Step-by-Step)
Riichi is the move that locks your hand and unlocks ippatsu, uradora and the riichi 1-han. Here is the full declaration walkthrough.
What is riichi?
Riichi (立直) is a one-step declaration that says "my closed hand is tenpai — I'm one tile from winning." You bet 1000 points, lock your hand shape (no more swaps), and earn 1 han automatically — plus a chance at ippatsu and uradora.
When can I declare riichi?
Four conditions must hold simultaneously: (1) your hand is fully closed — no called melds; (2) you are tenpai after your draw; (3) at least four tiles remain in the wall so the round can continue; (4) you have at least 1000 points to bet.
How do I actually declare it?
On your turn, after drawing, announce "riichi" out loud, place the tile you are discarding sideways across the edge of your discard row, and lay a 1000-point stick across the center of the table. If you win the hand the stick comes back to you; otherwise the eventual winner collects it.
What changes after riichi?
Your hand shape is locked — every drawn tile that does not complete your hand must be discarded immediately. Riichi itself adds 1 han, ippatsu (winning within one uninterrupted go-around) adds another 1 han, and on winning the uradora indicators flip over so any extra dora in your hand also score.
What are the risks?
You cannot defend — even if an opponent declares riichi or the board turns dangerous, you must keep discarding what you draw. You also forfeit the 1000-point stick if you do not win. Riichi is strongest when your hand has wide acceptance (ryanmen waits, multiple useful tiles) and the wall is still deep.