4-04

Reversible Tiles and All Even

Figure 1

Reversible Tiles

chow pung

(any hand that is completed with the following tiles: )

One of the more unique combinations is Reversible Tiles (Figure 1). It is a combination constructed of the 14 mahjong tiles which are vertically symmetrical. It is a difficult combination that only scores 8 points. In order to go for this combination, you will need to start out with almost no character tiles or honors (except for ). If you have consecutive pairs of or , you may want to get busy melding them into pungs. Figure 2 shows a good opportunity to go for Reversible Tiles.

Figure 2

The right time to go for Reversible Tiles

If you decide to build Reversible Tiles, it is important to keep another combination in mind: All Even.

Figure 3

pung

In Figure 3, you have melded in order to work toward Reversible Tiles. But you still need to build off of or pick to replace (be careful: is not a reversible tile).

But consider this: what if you drew another or ? It would be a perfect opportunity to give up on Reversible Tiles and switch to All Even. All Even, at 24 points, is well worth your while. All Even uses many of the Reversible Tiles, so the two combinations work well together. Tiles that can be used in both hands are . So, if your hand has several even-numbered bamboo pairs, that may be a good time to simultaneously build towards Reversible Tiles and All Even.

Finally, let's consider proper reading of opponent's melds.

Figure 4

pung chow pung

pung pung pung

When faced with the three melds shown in the first example in Figure 4, you can proceed as normal. Even if the player uses your discard to complete Reversible Tiles, you need only pay for an 8 point hand. Furthermore, the hand could be All Types, and it is difficult to pinpoint the dangerous tiles. But in the second example, you are best to proceed with caution. You should avoid discarding even-numbered suit tiles as much as possible, lest you give away a 24-point hand.