Curriculum · 44 / 50
Push or fold
Push or fold is the choice between advancing your hand and defending, and it hinges on weighing the risk of dealing into an opponent's ron.
The principle
As soon as an opponent declares riichi or opens a threatening hand, every candidate discard must be evaluated against their possible wait. Pushing continues the hand while accepting risk; folding (betaori) gives up the win to favor the safest available tiles.
Rule and example
When folding against one threat, genbutsu against that player are the most reliable. Suji, kabe, one-chance and no-chance only reduce parts of the risk, and their order depends on visible tiles and the other opponents.
What changes
Pushing becomes more acceptable with a close hand, good value, wide ukeire or a precise placement target; dealer status also changes gains and losses. No factor decides alone. Compare expected gain with deal-in cost and the other outcomes of the hand.
Mistake to avoid
Pushing a weak hand far from tenpai against riichi is often costly. An expensive tenpai may justify more risk, but never makes pushing automatic: available tiles, the threat and placement can still make folding correct.
Rules references
- Tenhou rulesReference profile used for game mechanics and scoring.
- WRC Rules 2025International rules compared whenever their options differ from Tenhou.