Rule variations

Restrictions on the winning hand – Require Limit/Special hand

In the Australian and modern American rules there is a strong emphasis on collecting Limit and Special hands: the restriction on the number of allowed Chows, prohibition of mixed suits, introduction of jokers, and dozens of special hands encourage players to collect exceptional hands rather than trying to go out early on easy hands.

Some players even require that the winning hand must be a Limit or a Special hand.

To specify Limit/Special hand requirement on the winning hand:

Choose Preferences on the File menu.
From the Rule Presets list, choose a customized rule preset.
Choose Winning & Draw under the Rules section of the category tree.
Check the Require Limit/Special hand box.
Note: You must remove first all other restrictions on the winning hand in order to have the control available.

Note: Four Winds does not prohibit you from collecting a non-Limit or non-special hand, but you cannot go out on such a hand. Declaring ‘Out’ on a hand which does not meet the requirements specified is considered a faulty declaration of Out, and the normal penalties are applied.