The best opening strategy in 101 Okey is to reach the 101-point threshold reliably while keeping tiles that let you finish soon after.

Prioritise high-value melds so you clear 101 without stretching, but do not over-collect to the point that you strand yourself with dead tiles. Hold the okey to secure a meld or your finish. Watch whether the pairs route is faster than the points route in your hand. Opening safely to dodge the plus 202 penalty is usually better than gambling on a perfect but distant hand.