Behaviour Etiquette

In the Riichi community, various levels of table mannerisms are needed to be observed to create a conducive and pleasant playing environment for all depending on the event and players you play with. Below are the various level of mannerisms required; the lower level is the subset of a higher level

In Singapore, players are to observe good sportsmanship when playing Riichi mahjong. This means players are to have integrity, be good winners/losers, humble and always respectful of others.

Totally Unacceptable Social & Table Behaviour

Slamming mahjong tiles.
Shouting and screaming.
Throwing score sticks.
Laughing/Mocking/Celebrating at players moves and/or when they win/lose.
Accusing players of cheating without any evidence.
Verbal abuse and/or personal attack on player(s).
Excessive ranting (>1 min) about a particular game/hand outcome.
Blaming/criticising other players.
Refusing to shuffle tiles, throwing dice, breaking wall as dealer.

Players are highly encouraged to inform offenders about their actions.

Offenders who have committed the above frequently despite being reminded by players around can be reported to SgRiichi Administrator by Game Hosts, Club leaders, Academy Trainers and be subjected to a temporary or permanent ban of SgRiichi activities. Click Here to lodge a report. (In progress)

Various levels of Behaviour Etiquette

Level 1 – Friendly

This level is beginner friendly and more for players who like to play mahjong while enjoying the socialisation between players. Recommended for school club sessions between school mates and players who befriended each other in SgRiichi who play together regularly.

Vocalise Chi, Pon, Kan, Riichi, Ron, Tsumo rightly before revealing the tiles.
Rightly wait for your turn before taking your starting stack of tiles to avoid confusion.
Place Rinshan tile down
Keep the dice on your right after throwing it.
Vocalise your Yaku (if don’t know the score) or score after winning.
Discard the Riichi tile first before placing the stick.
Do not place tiles face down after Riichi.
Do not take the Ron tile.
Do not help others check Ura-dora.
Do not make explicit comment about your hand such as “My hand is very bad.”
Do not use phone unnecessarily while playing.
Do not look at other people’s hands even after declaring Riichi.
Do not imitate behavior from Anime (Saki, Akagi etc.) or MahjongSoul (e.g. Ron-nya!).

Level 2 – Informal

This level is more for players who are unfamiliar with each other, just starting to know each other. Recommended for SgRiichi private games. All players who are meeting the host first time should adopt this level even if the session is stated at Level 1.

Level 1 Behaviour Etiquette included.
Shuffle tiles by shoving them against the sides of the tiles instead of rubbing against the tops of the tiles to minimise toppling.
Stacking wall after ensuring all tiles are faced down.
Use two hands to reveal your tiles gently upon declaring a win.
Make the 1st discard only after everyone has opened their hand.
Seek host’s permission first before eating during gameplay.
Place points sticks clearly in front of player during payment.
Give and verify the sticks changes on table before storing the sticks.
Do not waste unnecessary time during drawing or discarding of tiles after declaring Riichi (E.g Praying, rubbing/shaking/feeling the drawn tile).
Do not comment or question other people’s play. Seeking advice is okay.
Do not look at other people’s hand even after the game outcome has concluded.
Do not give any unrequested strategic tips/lecture to any players.
Do not show your opponents’ winning tiles from your hand if is not asked.
Do not justify your own plays.
Do not drink alcohol or smoke.
Do not wear earpieces/headphones.
Do not use foreign languages when declaring score unless all players understand the language. (e.g., Ni-sen Yon-sen)

Level 3 – Semi-Formal

This level is more for serious play, faster gameplay with some room for social interactions.

Level 1~2 Behaviour Etiquette included.
No reference materials such as Yaku list / personal cheat sheet.
Do not check the next draws or the dead wall even after a game outcome has concluded.
Do not show your hand after the game outcome has concluded.
Do not discuss about the hands.
Do not thank players when claiming sticks for your win.
Do not apologise for winning.
Do not repeatedly fidget with your tiles.

Level 4 – Formal

This level focus on maximising the time spent on gameplay. Recommended for those who wish to play as many han-chan as possible without any distractions and with proficient players.

Level 1~3 Behaviour Etiquette included.
Throw the dice only after all players have stacked their wall.
Give sticks based on minimal number of sticks to be exchanged. (For eg, for 1k, give 1 1k stick instead of 10 x 100 sticks just because you have too many and want to clear them.)
Announce score only when declaring a win.
Announce base score first followed by total score with honba.
Do not thank players when claiming sticks for your win.
Do not play music.
Do not mumble or many any comments during the game.
Do not talk unless necessary.
Do not slide the drawn tile to the end of the table during a self-drawn win.

Level 5 – Competitive

Level 1~4 Behaviour Etiquette included.
Do not rest your hand beyond your tiles or your arm on the table.
Do not touch another player’s wall or discard pool.
Draw, discard, or meld with only 1 hand.
Always put the tile drawn on at the side of hand and make a discard (not putting the drawn tile into the hand).
Make the 1st discard only after ensuring everyone has arranged their hand.
Discard the tile only after claiming the tile.
Upon discarding the tile, immediately move it to the most left side of the discard pool.