Uma is a fixed placement bonus added to every player's raw score once the game ends, distributing points from the lower ranks to the higher ranks according to final position. The four values always sum to zero, so uma never creates or destroys points, it only shifts them by rank. It is written as a pair, such as 10-20, where 1st place receives +20 and 2nd place +10, while 3rd pays -10 and 4th pays -20 (in units of 1000 points).
Uma is applied only at the end of the game. The Tenhou ranked profile taught here starts at 25,000 points with a 30,000-point return, gives the 20,000-point oka to first place, and applies +20, +10, -10, and -20. Initial seat order breaks a tie. WRC 2025 starts at 30,000 with no oka, applies +15, +5, -5, and -15, then splits the uma for tied places.
Because uma rewards rank rather than margin, overtaking an opponent can be worth more than the small raw gap between them. The best choice still depends on the exact scores, hand number, honba, riichi deposits and possible payments: calculate the target instead of following an absolute rule.