Practical Platform Literacy

32.1 Major Online Platforms

Tenhou (天鳳)

The longest-running and most respected Japanese online mahjong platform. Features a minimalist interface, robust ranking system (kyu, dan, phoenix table), and extensive replay/analysis capabilities. Predominantly Japanese-language. Its ranking system is considered the gold standard for online mahjong skill measurement. Free accounts have limited features; premium accounts unlock full statistics and higher-level play.

Mahjong Soul (雀魂)

A popular modern platform with polished graphics, character avatars, and multilingual support. Available on browser, mobile, and Steam. Its ranking system is somewhat less stringent than Tenhou's but provides meaningful skill differentiation. Active international community with regular events.

M-League and Professional Streams

M-League (Mリーグ) is Japan's professional mahjong league, broadcast live with commentary. Watching M-League is an excellent way to observe high-level play with professional analysis. Games are archived and can be studied for strategic insights.

32.2 Using Replay Tools

Both Tenhou and Mahjong Soul offer replay systems. Tenhou logs can be exported and analyzed with third-party tools. Mahjong Soul has a built-in replay viewer. Use these regularly for game review (Module 29).

32.3 Platform Etiquette

Play at reasonable speed, do not abandon games, do not use unauthorized assistance tools. In live play, additional etiquette applies: proper tile handling, clear declarations, and respectful table manners.

32.4 Tenhou Ranking System — Understanding Dan Levels

Tenhou's ranking system is the gold standard for measuring online riichi mahjong skill. The system progresses from 新人 (shinjin, newcomer) through 9-kyuu to 1-kyuu, then 初段 (shodan, 1st dan) through 十段 (juudan, 10th dan), and finally the ultra-elite rank of 天鳳位 (Tenhou-i). As of the creation of this academy, fewer than 20 players have ever achieved 天鳳位 across Tenhou's entire history — making it one of the most exclusive achievements in online gaming.

The ranking system uses a point-based promotion/demotion system where your placement in each game earns or costs ranking points. At higher dan levels, the penalties for 4th place become increasingly severe, requiring consistent 1st and 2nd place finishes to advance. This creates a natural filter: players who reach 7th dan and above (particularly those who play on the 鳳凰卓, Houou/Phoenix table, requiring 7th dan+) have demonstrated sustained high performance over thousands of games.

Notable Tenhou players who have influenced strategy discussion include: Asapin (朝倉康心, ASAPIN), the first 天鳳位 achiever, known for analytical play and statistical contributions. Owata (おわた), another 天鳳位 player whose gameplay data has been extensively analyzed by the community. These players' statistics are publicly available through Tenhou's ranking pages and serve as benchmarks for aspiring players.