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Learning how to play Pai Gow Poker is quick and easy, especially if you’re already familiar with other formats of the game. But there are some important differences in this player-versus-dealer version of poker.
Learn how to play, the rules, the hand rankings, Pai Gow strategy, and more.
What Is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is a popular card game that combines all the best elements of traditional poker with the Chinese game of Pai Gow. In classic poker, players compete against other players. But in Pai Gow Poker, you play against the dealer. Your main objective is to create two winning hands from the seven cards you are dealt.
The game uses a standard 52-card deck but adds in one joker that can be used to complete straights and flushes. Pai Gow is enjoyed by many players for its low volatility of play, which is unique compared to other poker variants. There are many “pushes” where you tie with the dealer, allowing for longer gameplay and a ton of fun.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker Online
If you already know how to play Texas Hold’em, adapting to learn how to play Pai Gow Poker shouldn’t be too tricky. While there are some significant differences, which we’ll explain in this guide, your existing poker knowledge will certainly give you a head start.
Aim of the Game in Pai Gow Poker
Your goal is simple:
Beat the dealer’s hand by creating two strong hands.
Each player is dealt seven cards that must be split into a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand.
The Pai Gow house edge is about 2.84%. This means players enjoy a good amount of playtime due to the high number of “Pushes” or ties.
The Basics of Pai Gow Poker
Number of players: Up to six players can join a game.- Cards dealt: Each player gets seven cards.
- Hand split: The high hand must rank higher than the low hand.
Number of players: Up to six players can join a game.Dealing
Step 1
Players place their bets.Step 2
The dealer then distributes seven cards face down to each player while moving counterclockwise around the table.Step 3
Once everyone has their cards, they must set their five-card high hand and their two-card low hand before the showdown.
The game typically includes a 5% commission on player wins, which affects the house edge.
Setting Your Hand
Here’s where the strategy and the fun come in. Players must arrange their hands into a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand, but don’t forget:
- The high hand must beat the low hand.
- Use the joker wisely; it can complete straights, flushes, or act as an ace.
Pai Gow Poker Showdown
Once everyone has set their hands, the dealer reveals their cards. You then compare the dealer’s hand to your own.
You can win, push, or lose:
- Win: Your high and low hands both beat the dealer’s.
- Push: You win one hand, and the dealer wins the other. This is called a “push” or tie. Neither the player nor the dealer wins, and the player gets their bet back.
- Lose: Both of the dealer’s hands beat your hands.
Where to Play Pai Gow Poker
If you’re looking to play Pai Gow Poker online, there are plenty of options available. Many platforms offer a range of Pai Gow variants, a smooth and user-friendly playing experience, and attractive bonus offers for new players.
The Rules of Pai Gow Poker
As with any game, Pai Gow Poker has rules that must be followed.
Some of these may sound tricky, but most people catch on very quickly:
- Hand Setting: The most important thing to remember is that the high hand must always beat the low hand.
- House Way: Pai Gow Poker dealers always follow a particular set of rules regarding how they set their hands. This can vary from one online site to another and from one casino to another. So, knowing the house way is vital to developing a good strategy.
Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings
If you already know how to play poker, you’re likely familiar with the hand rankings. They’re essentially the same as Texas Hold’em, but in Pai Gow Poker, you have one hand that beats the Royal Flush. Five aces is the highest possible hand in Pai Gow Poker, but only when using a joker, which functions as a wild card to complete straights, flushes, or as an ace.
Here’s a quick refresher for experienced players or a reference for new players.
Pai Gow Hand Rankings Cheat Sheet
On top of this, you can place side bets with various payouts, based on how difficult they are to hit. Here are the side bets and accompanying Pai Gow payouts.
Pai Gow Side Bets
| Hand | Description | Payout |
|---|---|---|
| 7 Card Straight Flush | Seven consecutive cards of the same suit | 8,000 to 1 |
| Royal Flush and Royal Match | A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit | 2,000 to 1 |
| 7 Card Straight Flush w/ Joker | Five consecutive cards, including a joker | 1,000 to 1 |
| 5 Aces | Five aces | 400 to 1 |
| Royal Flush | A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit | 150 to 1 |
| Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards of the same suit | 50 to 1 |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank | 25 to 1 |
| Full House | Three of a kind plus a pair | 5 to 1 |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit | 4 to 1 |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank | 3 to 1 |
| Straight | Five consecutive cards | 2 to 1 |
Payouts for side bets vary widely between casinos and online sites. It’s better to note that the listed payouts are examples and may differ.
Types of Pai Gow Poker
Here are some of the most popular variants of Pai Gow Poker.
Each has its own quirks and side bets, so it’s worth checking out your options:
- Fortune Pai Gow Poker: Offers side bets for specific hand combinations.
- Pai Gow Mania: Allows two side bets for more ways to win.
- Emperor’s Challenge: Features a side bet on making a “no hand.”
- Progressive Pai Gow: A progressive jackpot for achieving a straight flush is included.
Pai Gow Poker Tips & Strategies
Once you’ve figured out how to play Pai Gow Poker, it’s time to develop your game. Our experts have put together five simple tips to quickly improve your Pai Gow strategy, even if you’re a relative newcomer to the game:
- The Basics of Hand Setting: You can’t forget that the high hand must beat the low hand. However, you should always focus on balancing your hands rather than trying to maximize the strength of just one.
- Use the Joker Wisely: Use the joker to complete straights and flushes. If neither of those options is available, you typically want to treat the joker as an ace.
- Don’t Split Pairs: If you have a single pair, don’t split it up. Use it in your five-card high hand along with the other three highest-ranking cards in your hand.
- Consider Breaking Full Houses: We know this seems counterproductive, as a full house is typically one of the strongest hands you can make. However, you want to win both the high and the low hand. If you are dealt a full house, our experts recommend considering breaking it up into three of a kind in your high hand and a pair in your low hand. The effectiveness of this strategy depends on the particular cards and overall context.
- Be Aware of the Push: One of the best parts about Pai Gow Poker is the frequent number of pushes. This allows for longer playtime and better bankroll management.
Pai Gow vs. Texas Hold’em
Yes, both games fall under the poker umbrella but differ significantly. In Texas Hold’em, which is available at all the online poker sites in the US, players compete against each other. In Pai Gow, you’re up against the dealer, with no bluffing involved at all.
Additionally, in Pai Gow Poker, players are dealt seven cards to make two hands. In Texas Hold’em, you are dealt two hole cards and five community cards that all players can use.
Both games offer unique strategies, and your approach to winning is very different. However, the basic hand rankings of poker can be used in both games.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve discussed the fundamentals of how and where to play Pai Gow Poker, you should feel more confident about diving in and competing. Remember, a lot of strategy is involved, but luck also plays a significant role. So, always play responsibly.
