A 101 Guide to Pai Gow Poker: Rules, Instructions, and Winning Strategy Tips

Introduction

Pai Gow Poker is a unique casino card game that combines elements from the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow and the modern American game of poker, which I’ve written about in a separate guide. It’s a bit different from the usual poker games I’ve played, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a lot of fun. The game was created in the United States by Sam Torosian, who owned the Bell Card Club, back in the mid-1980s.

Unlike traditional poker, you play against the dealer, not other players (similar also to Caribbean Stud Poker). The goal is to create two poker hands out of seven cards that are dealt to you. These consist of a five-card hand, known as the “high hand” or “back hand,” and a two-card hand, known as the “low hand” or “front hand.” The catch is that your high hand must beat your low hand. If both your hands beat the dealer’s corresponding hands, you win!

Rules for playing Pai Gow Poker

Understanding the rules for Pai Gow Poker is key to enjoying the game. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. Each player at the table is dealt seven cards from a standard 52-card deck, with one joker included.
2. The joker can be used as an ace or to complete a straight, flush, straight flush, or royal flush.
3. Players must split their seven cards into two hands: a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand.
4. The five-card hand must be higher in rank than the two-card hand.
5. Once all players have set their hands, they are compared to the dealer’s hands.
6. To win, both of your hands must beat the dealer’s hands. If one hand wins and the other loses, it’s a push, and your bet is returned. If both of your hands lose, the dealer wins the bet.
7. If one of your hands is identical to the dealer’s (a copy), the dealer wins that particular hand.

There are also rules about how the dealer sets their hand, which is called the “house way.” This varies from casino to casino, but it’s usually a set pattern that the dealer has to follow. I’ll give a bit more detail on that below:

“House way”

The house way dictates how the dealer arranges their cards. Each casino may have its own specific house way, but generally, these rules are designed to optimize the dealer’s chances of winning, while ensuring fairness and consistency in how the hands are set. A common house way in US casinos I’ve visited is the Foxwoods House Way.

Players can often ask to see the house way rules or even request that their own hands be set the house way, especially if they are new to the game or unsure of the optimal strategy. This helps maintain the pace of the game and reduces potential dealer errors, contributing to the standardized playing experience across different tables and casinos.

Equipment and Setup

The equipment for Pai Gow Poker is simple: you need a standard deck of 52 cards plus one joker. The game is played on a table that’s similar to a blackjack table, with spots for up to six players and the dealer. Each player has a betting area divided into two sections: one for the high hand and one for the low hand.

How to Play Pai Gow Poker

Playing Pai Gow Poker involves a few key steps:

1. Shuffle and Deal: Cards are shuffled and dealt to each player and the dealer.
2. Setting Your Hands: You arrange your seven cards into a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand.
3. Reveal: Once all hands are set, they are revealed and compared to the dealer’s hands.
4. Payouts: If you win both hands, you get paid 1:1 on your bet minus a commission, which is usually around 5%. If you push, your bet is returned. If you lose both hands, you lose your bet.

How to Win at Pai Gow Poker

To win at Pai Gow Poker, you need to understand the odds and probabilities. The house edge is typically around 2.84% when you’re playing the house way. This can vary depending on how you set your hand. The key to winning is to balance your hands to maximize your chances of beating the dealer’s hands.

House Edge

The advantage the house holds in Pai Gow Poker is influenced partly by your skill in arranging hands but also by how much of the action you choose to bank. The table below depicts the likelihood of each potential outcome:

Event	Pays	Combinations	Probability	Return
Push	0	3,341,087,256,920,524	0.404958	0.000000
Win	0.95	2,402,491,783,820,756	0.291195	0.276635
Loss	-1	2,506,879,990,473,120	0.303847	-0.303847
Total		8,250,459,031,214,390	1.000000	-0.027212

Best Strategies for playing Pai Gow Poker game

Here are some strategies to help you win at Pai Gow Poker:

• Understand the rankings of poker hands. The better you know these, the better you’ll be at setting your hands.
• Try to win at least one hand to push and get your bet back.
• Don’t be afraid to play a strong hand in your low hand if it means you can beat the dealer’s low hand.
• Pay attention to how the dealer sets their hand according to the house way. This can give you clues on how to set your own hand.

I plan to release some more detailed strategies for Pai Gow Poker, depending on demand. If you’d like to add your voice and request it, please head over to our Contact page and leave a comment or drop us a mail!

Variations

There are a few variations of Pai Gow Poker around the world. Some casinos offer a progressive jackpot version, where you can place an additional bet for a chance to win a growing jackpot. Other variations might have different rules for how the joker can be used or different payouts for certain hands.

Scenarios

Here are some scenarios you might encounter:

• If you’re dealt a strong hand like a full house, consider splitting it up. Put the pair in your low hand and the three of a kind in your high hand.
• If you have no pairs or better, play your highest card in your high hand and the next two highest cards in your low hand.

These strategies can help you turn a tough situation into an advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions about playing Pai Gow Poker game

1. Q: What happens if my high hand is weaker than my low hand?
   
   A: If you accidentally set your high hand lower than your low hand, you’ll foul and automatically lose your bet.
2. Q: Can I communicate with other players?
   
   A: Yes, you can ask for advice on how to set your hand, but the final decision is yours.
3. Q: Is Pai Gow Poker a fast-paced game?
   
   A: No, it’s actually quite slow and relaxed, which is great for beginners or those who want to enjoy a more leisurely game.

External Links

For more information on Pai Gow Poker, check out these resources:

• Wizard of Odds Pai Gow Poker Guide
• American Casino Guide on Popular Casino Myths