Riichi Theory (2)
Cut Inside, Extend Outside
For example, if you have a shape like 
,
the ordinary play is to cut and aim for a future ryanmen by drawing 
.
However, if you are going to declare riichi, the story changes.
Example 1
Draw 
Dora
This hand will usually go for riichi.
If you are going to riichi, the theory is to cut .
If a genbutsu appears in the pond,
then 
becomes easier for opponents to discard.
That said, the effect is not overwhelming.
If is clearly more dangerous,
then riichi after cutting is also completely fine.
Prefer Concealed Triplets
Example 2
Draw Dora
In Example 2, you can riichi after cutting either or .
But in a hand like this, which cannot become pinfu anyway, you should riichi in a way that keeps the chance to make an ankou.
If you later draw another ,
you can declare ankan.
That raises the fu, and you may even pick up extra dora.
Keep the Information Minimal
The old idea of camouflage discards, where you try to set traps in your discard row, is now viewed very negatively.
The standard view today is the opposite: the less distinctive your discard row is, the better.
Example 3
Draw Dora
This is a very typical riichi hand.
Here you should move the pair from to ,
then cut and riichi.
If you cut here,
then once you riichi, other players will find it easier to discard
.
If you cut instead,
opponents can tell almost nothing except that you are not on a tanki wait.
The ideal riichi discard row is one where terminals and honors line up naturally and reveal as little character as possible.
For example:
When you face a riichi pond like that, you often have no choice but to push.
More than clumsy camouflage, this kind of strong pond is what actually makes ron wins easier.
Original Japanese page: http://beginners.biz/reach/reach06.html