Category-a-Day 6, Section 5: Identical Sets

This section lists points for patterns with identical sets, meaning three tiles exactly the same: Same numbers, same suit. Since the identical sets are, well, identical, they have to be sequences (or chows). Since these are all in the same series, you can score only one of these patterns.

5.0 Identical Sets

5.1.1  Two Identical Sequences       :  10

5.1.2  Two Identical Sequences Twice :  60

5.1.3  Three Identical Sequences     : 120

5.1.4  Four Identical Sequences      : 480

5.1.1 Two Identical Sequences

Two chows that match each other. Pretty easy, and gets you 10 points. Add this to four sequences, all simples, and concealed hand, and you're up to 25 - a respectable score. The sequences can be hidden or melded, and the melded tiles do not need to match each other.

5.1.2 Two Identical Sequences Twice

If you happen to have 1,2,3 of dots; 1,2,3 of dots; 4,5,6 of bamboo; 4,5,6 of bamboo; and a pair of 8 characters, you've got this pattern and an excellent 60 points. Always add 5 points for four sequences. If you get a concealed hand with this, you might notice that you could instead count seven pairs. Don't do it, as this is worth more. You can't score both because each tile has to be alone (for Thirteen Terminals), in a pair, or a sequence, or a triplet - you can't have a tile in both a sequence and a pair.

5.1.3 Three Identical Sequences

Three sets, same numbers, same suit. Impressive, and a very nice 120 points for you. You might also have four sequences, or one of the One Suit patterns.

5.1.4 Four Identical Sequences

This pattern is hardly worth mentioning because it is so outstandingly rare. Of the 11.37 trillion possible hands you can have (without even allowing a single kong!), only 3,906 or only one in 2.9 billion winning hands includes this pattern. It is probably the least likely pattern on the card, and you are not likely to ever see it. Still, it wouldn't make much sense to leave it off the list should it amazingly appear. This is a listed limit pattern, so you can score only the 480 points for it.