Pai Gow Poker is a popular casino card game based on an ancient Chinese domino game called Pai Gow. In Pai Gow Poker, players compete against the dealer, not against each other. The goal is to create two poker hands, one with five cards (the “high” hand) and one with two cards (the “low” hand), that are both higher in rank than the dealer’s hands.
Be in the know! See below for the rules:
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play Pai Gow Poker:
- Understand the Deck:
Pai Gow Poker is typically played with a standard 52-card deck plus one Joker, which can be used as an Ace or to complete a straight or a flush.
- Place Your Bet:
Start by placing your bet on the designated betting area before you. The amount you bet can vary depending on the table limits.
- Receive Your Cards:
You and the dealer are both dealt seven cards face down.
- Create Your High and Low Hands:
Your goal is to create two poker hands:
High Hand: This hand consists of five cards and should be stronger than your Low Hand.
Low Hand: This hand consists of two cards and should be weaker than your High Hand.
You’ll arrange your cards to create these hands.
- Setting Your Hands:
After receiving your cards, arrange them into your High and Low Hands. According to standard poker hand rankings, the High Hand must rank higher than the Low Hand.
- Compare Hands with the Dealer:
Once all players have set their hands, the dealer will reveal their cards and set their hands according to house rules.
- Win or Lose:
Your goal is to beat both of the dealer’s hands. If you win both hands, you win the round and receive a payout based on your bet.
If you win one hand and lose the other, it’s a push, and your bet is returned.
If the dealer wins both hands, you lose your bet.
If there’s a tie in one hand (e.g., your High Hand ties with the dealer’s High Hand), the dealer wins that hand.
- Payouts:
Payouts can vary depending on the casino’s rules, but typically, winning both hands pays 1:1 minus a small commission (usually around 5%).
Winning one hand and losing the other results in a push, and you get your bet back.
In the case of a tie (one hand wins and one hand ties with the dealer), it’s usually considered a win for the dealer.
- House Way:
Many casinos have a predefined “House Way” for setting their hands, simplifying players’ process.
- Play Continues:
- After the round is resolved, you can place bets for the next round.
Pai Gow Poker can be a bit complex, especially when setting your hands, but most casinos have a “House Way” option if you’re unsure about the best way to set your cards. It’s a fun and social casino game that offers a unique twist on traditional poker. Thank you for your interest in GotAction.com