Walking through the table games section, you will often see players relaxed and chatting around the Pai Gow Poker table.
The game is famous for its incredibly high number of 'pushes' (ties), meaning your bankroll will last a very long time.
Understanding the Deal and the Rules
The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus one single Joker which acts as a semi-wild card.
Your objective is to separate your seven cards into two distinct hands: a five-card 'high' hand and a two-card 'low' hand.
- The dealer must set their hand according to a strict set of casino rules called the 'House Way'
- If you are confused, you can always ask the dealer to set your hand according to the House Way for you
- Because tying is so common, the casino takes a 5% commission on all winning bets to maintain their house edge
How to Optimize Your Pai Gow Hands
The most common mistake beginners make is ignoring their two-card hand, resulting in endless pushes instead of wins.
When dealt a hand with no pairs (a 'Pai Gow'), you put your highest card in the back and your next two highest in the front.
| Starting Hand | Five-Card Hand (High) | Two-Card Hand (Low) |
|---|---|---|
| Pair of Aces & Pair of 4s | Pair of Aces | Pair of 4s |
| Full House (Three 8s, Two Kings) | Three 8s | Pair of Kings |
By learning how to balance your high and low hands perfectly, you can enjoy one of the best table games in the casino.
