Ngau Example Rounds

Round 1: Direct Special-Hand Path

Hand: AS 9 K 4 7

1. Choose base 9 + 4 + 7 = 20, which is valid.
2. Point cards become AS + K.
3. This satisfies Niu Dong Gu conditions and produces a high-priority outcome.

Takeaway

When AS appears with J/Q/K, first test whether the remaining cards can form a valid base. If yes, that route is often very strong.

Round 2: 3/6 Swap Unlocks Better Value

Hand: 3 6 8 J K

1. Evaluate base choices in original state.
2. Then test swapped 3/6 states.
3. A stronger legal split can appear only after swap evaluation.

If a hand looks close but not valid, 3/6 swap is often the first optimization to test.

Round 3: Pair Versus 10-Point Tradeoff

Hand: Q Q 2 8 K

1. Base 2 + 8 + K(10) = 20 is valid.
2. Point cards Q + Q form Pair (multiplier advantage).
3. Even if another split makes 10 points, Pair can still rank higher due to multiplier priority.

Takeaway

Do not judge strength by visible point value alone. Multiplier ranking is decisive in many close-looking hands.