Since the previous post on 6 Jan, we have implemented strict time controls to our hanchans such that it will end strictly at specific times. More often than not, hands were ended abruptly and this could disrupt the careful planning of the players for these hands. There were some feedback regarding this and new time controls will be implemented for this evening’s session onwards.
All hanchan will be at most 90 minutes long. After 80 minutes, all tables will be notified that the current hand they are playing will be considered the last hand. If any table is not in the midst of a hand, then they are allowed to play one last hand for that particular hanchan. (Of course, if any table has already completed the hanchan, no hands will be played.) No table will be allowed to begin another hand after this last hand for fairness to all players on the table. As such, the new time controls for hanchans will be as follows:
1645-1815 Game 1 (Last hand at 1805)
1815-1820 Break
1820-1950 Game 2 (Last hand at 1940)
1950-1955 Break
1955-2125 Game 3 (Last hand at 2115)
2125 onwards Packing up
In riichi mahjong, aiming for a better final position is more important than aiming for a better final score. Players are encouraged to plan for their final hands with these goals in mind. With such time controls, players can better strategise their final hands of the hanchan to aim to get a better position on the table.
As these time controls are implemented and changed in the interests of players, feel free to provide any feedback or queries you may have.
See you all this evening!
Eric Quek
Riichi Mahjong in Singapore 