Pai Gow Poker


All there is to know about Pai Gow Poker at BET365.com

Pai Gow Poker is a casino card game that combines elements of traditional Chinese dominoes game called Pai Gow and American poker. It’s played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. Here’s a comprehensive overview of Pai Gow Poker:

  1. Objective:
  • The main goal in Pai Gow Poker is to create two poker hands, one five-card hand (the “high” hand) and one two-card hand (the “low” hand), that both beat the dealer’s corresponding hands.
  1. Card Rankings:
  • The standard poker hand rankings apply in Pai Gow Poker.
  • The joker can be used as an Ace or to complete a straight or a flush.
  1. Setting the Hands:
  • The five-card hand must be higher in poker rank than the two-card hand.
  • The dealer also sets a high and low hand from their own seven cards.
  1. Winning and Losing:
  • To win, both the player’s high and low hands must beat the dealer’s corresponding hands.
  • If only one of the player’s hands wins, it’s a push, and the player’s bet is returned.
  • If both of the dealer’s hands beat the player’s hands, the player loses their bet.
  1. Push:
  • In the event of a tie in one of the hands (high or low), the result is a push, and the player neither wins nor loses.
  1. Joker:
  • The joker can be used to complete a straight, flush, or as an Ace.
  • If the joker is not needed to complete any of these hands, it is considered an Ace.
  1. House Way:
  • Casinos typically have a set method, known as the “House Way,” for how the dealer sets their hands. Players have the option to ask the dealer to set their hands following the House Way.
  1. Pai Gow Poker Strategy:
  • Players use a strategy known as the “Pai Gow Poker strategy” to set their hands optimally.
  • The strategy involves guidelines on when to split pairs, how to arrange two pairs, and other hand-setting decisions.
  1. Commission:
  • In most casinos, a 5% commission is charged on winning bets. This is one of the main ways the house earns money from Pai Gow Poker.
  1. Pai Gow Poker Variations:
  • There are variations of Pai Gow Poker, such as Fortune Pai Gow, where players can make an optional side bet for a chance to win additional money.
  1. Online Pai Gow Poker:
  • Many online casinos offer Pai Gow Poker in digital and live dealer formats.
  1. Responsible Gambling:
  • As with any casino game, responsible gaming practices are crucial. Players should set limits and play within their means.
  1. Social Aspect:
  • Pai Gow Poker is often considered a social game, and players can enjoy the camaraderie at the table.

Pai Gow Poker offers a unique blend of strategy and luck, making it an interesting and engaging card game. Its slower pace and the potential for pushes can provide a more relaxed gaming experience compared to some other casino card games.