yaku

plural yakus

1. Japaneseboard gamesA condition that scores points when met, usually in the form of a specific combination of tiles or cards.

   I'm still learning all the yaku though!

   2015, Ritz Kobayashi, “Encounter” (chapter 1), in anonymous translator, Saki, volume 1, Yen Press, →ISBN, page 9

   5 more examples

   There are certain combinations of hands called “Yaku,” which, if held by a player, either among his tricks or in his hand, entitle him to certain payments from the other players.

   1892, Rossetsu Uchiyama, The Game of "Hana-awase": Japanese Cards, page 10

   It's a lot of fun for me as I'm just getting to know all the combinations (of three cards each) for yaku, which means the other fellow must subtract 50 from his score.

   2006, Israel A. S. Yost, “On the Border” (chapter 11), in Combat Chaplain: The Personal Story of the WWII Chaplain of the Japanese American 100th Battalion, University of Hawaii Press, →ISBN, page 215

   Yakus determine whether you can make a mahjong.

   2012, Jelte Rep, “Chapter 5: Japan”, in Jelte Rep, transl., Great Mahjong Book: History, Lore, and Play, Tuttle Publishing, →ISBN, page 112

   Of course, since the hand is open, it doesn't earn the 1-han yaku for a true Pinfu hand.

   2015, Scott D. Miller, “Hand Pattern Overview”, in Riichi Mahjong: The Ultimate Guide to the Japanese Game Taking the World by Storm, Lulu.com, →ISBN, page 104

   The wisteria ribbon is used in two yaku sets. This is allowed because a player may use the same card to score from more than one yaku category.

   2017, Jason Johnson & Antonietta Fazio-Johnson, “Matching Flowers” (chapter 5), in Hanafuda Games: Hanami Edition, IndianWolf Studios LLC, →ISBN, page 29

   Synonyms: pattern, meld