Yaku guides · 14 / 17
Shousangen: little three dragons
Shousangen uses two dragon groups and a pair of the third dragon, scoring at least 4 han once both yakuhai are included.
The principle
Shousangen (小三元) requires two dragon triplets or kans and a pair of the third dragon. The yaku itself is worth 2 han. Each dragon group also scores its own yakuhai, bringing the hand to at least 4 han before any other yaku or dora are counted.
Rule and example
The hand may be open or closed. Calling pon on a dragon does not reduce shousangen or the matching yakuhai. Opening does reveal the plan and can make the remaining dragons harder to collect. Before the first call, check how many copies of the third dragon are visible and how healthy the unfinished numbered groups remain.
What changes
If the pair of the third dragon becomes a triplet or kan, the structure upgrades to daisangen, a yakuman. While the third dragon remains a pair, it does not grant another yakuhai. Count 2 han for shousangen and exactly two yakuhai for the two completed dragon groups.
Mistake to avoid
On defense, two visible dragon groups tell you something concrete. Tiles of the third dragon deserve special caution, especially when none has appeared. The exact danger still depends on the concealed shape and ruleset. What you know for certain is the hand’s minimum value, not its precise wait.
Rules references
- Tenhou rulesReference profile used for game mechanics and scoring.
- WRC Rules 2025International rules compared whenever their options differ from Tenhou.