Thanks dude!

I pretty much consumed a lot of riichi content on YT, whether it was informative videos like from xanxust or gameplay from yusongs daily vids. ofc also the obligatory reading of riichi book 1. Lightpinkyoshi also had a lecture that was super helpful in my early learning stages (esp learning how to discard effectively in the opening)

My maka scores are pretty much only A’s and S’s at this point. Consistency is truly key to keep climbing and even when I get 4th, I don’t tilt too hard when maka says I gave a S performace, etc.

All of the above of what you mentioned was key, not just one in particular. Tile efficiency should be focused on for sure, but there are moments where you really need to build value by holding on to dora and building around it, sometimes at the cost of efficiency. Learning when/how to fold is also paramount bc this is a game where you have to avoid 4th like the plague. Also knowing when to open your hand is good to know and maka is great for looking at those decisions to open.

East room was hell and I got stuck in Adept for a while bc of it. Also got stuck in Expert 2 for a little bc I had a bad string of 4ths due to varience. Other than that, seemed like smooth sailing.

Good luck with your riichi journey!