Pai Gow Poker

Introduction

It’s time to step right up to the world of Pai Gow Poker!

This entertaining card game ( also goes by the name Double Hand Poker) is gradually gaining popularity on online platforms as well as live gaming rooms.

What exactly is it?

What are the most common forms of this poker game?

How can you get an edge over your opponents in the game?

These are the questions we are going to answer in this blog.

Objective

In contrast to other variants of poker, there is no betting round in the Pai Gow Poker game! Instead, players must make two hands that beat both dealer's corresponding hands (also known as banker) - a ‘high’ one and a ‘low’ one.

How to play Pai Poker

Pai Gow Poker can be played between 2 to 6 players with a standard 52-card deck plus one Joker.

Gameplay

Once everyone's ante (the mandatory wager each player makes before the cards hit the table) is in the pot, the dealer deals out seven cards face down to each eager participant. Each player can arrange their cards into a ‘high’ hand and a ‘low’ hand of two cards.

After arranging their cards, players reveal their hands. The dealer then reveals their own cards and sets their hand according to the ‘house way’ - a predetermined set of rules that dictates how the dealer must set their hand.

Comparison of Hands

High Hand (back hand/big hand): The five-card hand is compared to the dealer's five-card hand.

Low Hand (front hand/small hand): The two-card hand is compared to the dealer's two-card hand.

Pai Gow Poker Rules

• If both the player's high and low hands beat the dealer's hands, the player wins the round.
• If only one of the player's hands beats the dealer's corresponding hand, it's a push, and the player neither wins nor loses.
• If both of the player's hands lose to the dealer's hands, the player loses the round and forfeits their wager.
• If one of the player's hands ties with the dealer's corresponding hand and the other hand wins, it is considered a push, and the player neither wins nor loses.

In casinos, players can choose to act as the banker, rotating clockwise around the table.

Role of Joker

The Joker acts as a wildcard to complete a flush or straight. When not aiding in these scenarios, the Joker functions as an Ace. If a player fails to achieve at least a pair with their cards (for example – hand like Q-10-8-6-4-3-2—this is termed a ‘pai gow’.

Types of Pai Gow Poker

Commission-Free Pai Gow Poker

One of the most popular variations of Pai Gow Poker is Commission-Free Pai Gow Poker. In this version, players do not pay a commission on their winnings. Nevertheless, there is generally a condition that holds if a player develops a ‘copy‘ hand (both high and low hands of the player tie with the dealer's), this situation counts as a win for the dealer.

Progressive Pai Gow Poker

Progressive Pai Gow Poker provides players with the chance to earn a bonus win while they enjoy their regular winnings. To take part in the progressive jackpot, it is essential for the players to play with a side bet placed at the beginning of the game. For some rare hands like a seven-card straight flush, the jackpot amount is awarded to lucky winners.

Fortune Pai Gow Poker

Fortune Pai Gow Poker is a game that features a bonus bet determined by the power of the player’s seven cards. It pays on specific poker hands whether or not the player loses or wins the main hand against the dealer.

Emperor's Challenge Pai Gow Poker

This variation can be played as a side game that offers an additional bet to make on achieving a seven-card straight flush. Typically, this side bet can offer a sizable payout but is hard to win.

High Hand/No Push Pai Gow Poker

In this variation, if the high hand of a player equals that of the dealer’s hand, it does not result in a push but is considered a loss for the player's bet.

Pai Gow Poker Strategies

Here's a how to improve your game in Pai Gow Poker

Understand the Basics

If you want to improve your skills, the key thing is to know all the basics about the game and gain a solid understanding. The more information you have about the fundamentals of the game, the easier it will be for you to make accurate decisions at the table.

Splitting Pairs

If you receive a pair, you have to make adjustments in your strategy as per the value of your pair and the rest of your hand. It is recommended to split pairs unless you have a pair of Aces. This ensures a stronger high hand and increases your chances of winning against the dealer.

Playing the Joker

If you are dealt the Joker, it is a wild card that can be used to complete a straight, flush, straight flush, or as an Ace. You should strategically place the Joker in a way that maximizes the strength of both your hands.

Avoiding the House Edge

The house edge in Pai Gow Poker primarily stems from the dealer winning ties. To minimize this advantage, you should aim to construct your hands to ensure a high probability of at least one hand beating the dealer.

Banking

If given the opportunity to bank, you need to consider the advantages and disadvantages carefully. While banking allows you to play against all other players at the table, it also requires a higher bankroll to cover potential losses. Only bank when you feel confident in your skills and have a sufficient bankroll to sustain potential losses.

Understanding House Rules

You need to familiarize yourself with the rules of the casino you are playing in. Some casinos have variations on standard Pai Gow Poker rules, which can influence your strategy.

Practice and Patience

Like any other poker variant, mastering Pai Gow Poker takes practice and patience. Start with small bets until you become comfortable with the strategies and nuances of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you play Pai Gow Poker?

Pai Gow Poker uses a standard deck with 52 cards and an extra joker card. Each player is dealt seven cards by the dealer, which they use to create two separate poker hands based on five-card hand (high hand) and two-card hand (low hand). If a player wants to win, he or she has to beat both corresponding hands of the dealer. As soon as each player sets their hands, they are then compared with those of the dealer so as to identify who won.

What is the best hand in Pai Gow?

In this regard, it can be argued that having five Aces in Pai Gow poker is excellent because it consists of four aces and one joker. This deal is totally unassailable and always leads to success.

Is there a strategy for Pai Gow Poker?

Indeed there are strategies that are being employed by these strategic players – identifying pairs in their hands skillfully, cleverly splitting the pair, making good use of the Joker, reducing house advantage, and carefully managing bankroll. These strategies help refine gameplay and possibly increase chances for successful gaming experience.

What are the payouts for Pai Gow Poker?

Payouts in Pai Gow Poker follow a standard structure - winning the high hand and low hand against the dealer results in a 1:1 payout, minus a 5% commission. If only one of your hands beats the dealer while the other hand loses, it is considered a push, and your bet is returned. Additionally, when players choose to bank, they may receive payouts or owe commissions based on their success against other players at the table.

Conclusion

Pai Gow Poker offers a unique combination of traditional Chinese gaming and Western poker strategy. It is simple, action-packed and, most of all, engaging. Whether playing at a casino or online, Pai Gow Poker appeals to both casual gamers and seasoned poker enthusiasts alike.