Saki: Episode of Side A

Ako, Shizuno, and Nodoka were best friends in middle school, often going to Achiga Girls’ School to play Mahjong. But as time passed, they saw each other less and less of each other. That was until Shizuno saw Nodoka win the middle school Mahjong Singles tournament. She is determined to meet her friend again, at the inter-high mahjong tournament!

The girls have to find two more members before they can be an official club, but Bansei holds a monopoly on the serious players. It is time to track down old friends and rebuild Achiga’s Mahjong Club!

The prefectural tournament has started and Achiga’s first opponent is the famed 9 time winners, Bansei. This is what the girls have trained for; this is their stepping stone to reaching Nodoka.

It’s the start of the Nationals, and there are many teams with strong players aiming for the top spot. Kuro Matsumi is the first from Achiga to play in the competition. Her challengers think she is weak, but she will show them the Dragon Road.

Matsumi's dragon road has been shut down by Toki, the player from Senriyama. It is as if she can predict what tiles will be played. With such a frightening power, do any of the other players stand a chance?

After Senriyama domination of the first round, Achiga is left in last place. Yuu promises to get the lost points back in her game. And Ako's speed play disrupts the pace of the other players.

Arata’s turn at the board went well, but it didn’t provide the necessary boost to Achiga’s points. The last player, Shizu, is going in with all eyes on her and her unique but dangerous play style.

Tournament rules say that individual players can’t practice with players outside of their own school. Using this rule, the girls invite players to practice against their team.

Miyanaga Teru is known for dominating games and with each win she earns more points. Kuro hasn’t been able to make a move and the ace, Toki from Senriyama, is unable to stop her streak.

Miyanaga Teru is unstoppable. The players are trying reaching their breaking pot and new techniques must be used.

The stress of the game is starting to affect the players, some faster than others. One player in particular might not make it to the end of the game.

Playing against a champion has forced the girls to evaluate their plays styles and never give up fighting for points.