Introduction
Pai Gow Poker is a popular casino game that originated in China and is now played in casinos all over the world. It is a unique game that combines elements of traditional Chinese dominoes with modern poker. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards plus one joker, and can be played by up to six players at a time.
What is Pai Gow Poker?
In Pai Gow Poker, players are dealt seven cards each and must use those cards to form two separate hands: a five-card hand and a two-card hand. The object of the game is to beat the banker’s two hands. The five-card hand must be higher in value than the two-card hand. If both of a player’s hands are higher than the banker’s hands, the player wins. If only one of the player’s hands is higher, it is a push and the player keeps their bet.
History of Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker was first introduced in the United States in the 1980s and quickly gained popularity. The game was invented by Sam Torosian, the owner of the Bell Card Club in California. Torosian was trying to create a new game that would appeal to Asian players, and he came up with Pai Gow Poker by combining elements of traditional Chinese dominoes with modern poker.
Today, Pai Gow Poker is a popular casino game that can be found in casinos all over the world. It is a game that requires both luck and skill, making it an exciting and challenging game to play.
Rules of Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is a popular casino game that is played with a standard deck of 52 cards plus one joker. The game is based on the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow, which was played with tiles. In Pai Gow Poker, each player is dealt seven cards, which they must use to create two poker hands – one with five cards and one with two cards. The objective of the game is to beat the banker’s two hands.
Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings
Before playing Pai Gow Poker, it’s important to understand the hand rankings. The hand rankings are the same as in traditional poker, with one exception. In Pai Gow Poker, the second-highest ranking hand is a “wheel,” which consists of A-2-3-4-5. The highest ranking hand is a royal flush, followed by a straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pairs, and one pair.
Setting the Hands
Once the players have received their seven cards, they must use them to create two hands – one with five cards and one with two cards. The five-card hand must be higher in ranking than the two-card hand. If the player’s hands are higher than the banker’s hands, the player wins. If the banker’s hands are higher, the player loses. If one hand wins and the other loses, it’s a push.
When setting the hands, the player must follow certain rules. The five-card hand must always be higher in ranking than the two-card hand. The joker can be used to complete a straight, flush, straight flush, or royal flush. If the joker cannot be used to complete any of these hands, it is considered an ace.
House Way
Most casinos have a “house way” of setting hands. This means that the casino has a predetermined set of rules for setting the hands. If the player is unsure of how to set their hands, they can ask the dealer to set them according to the house way. However, it’s important to note that the house way may not always be the optimal way to set the hands.
Winning and Losing
If both of the player’s hands are higher in ranking than the banker’s hands, the player wins. If both of the banker’s hands are higher in ranking than the player’s hands, the player loses. If one hand wins and the other loses, it’s a push and the player’s bet is returned. In the event of a tie, the banker wins.
It’s important to note that the banker has a slight advantage in Pai Gow Poker, as they win all ties. In addition, the banker must pay a 5% commission on all winning bets. This commission is typically taken out of the player’s winnings.
| Hand | Description |
|---|---|
| Royal flush | A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit |
| Straight flush | Five cards of the same suit in numerical order |
| Four of a kind | Four cards of the same rank |
| Full house | Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit |
| Straight | Five cards in numerical order |
| Three of a kind | Three cards of the same rank |
| Two pairs | Two cards of one rank and two cards of another rank |
| One pair | Two cards of the same rank |
| Wheel | A-2-3-4-5 of mixed suits |
Strategies for Pai Gow Poker
While Pai Gow Poker is a game of chance, there are several strategies that you can use to increase your chances of winning. Here are some of the top strategies for Pai Gow Poker:
Banking in Pai Gow Poker
One of the best ways to win at Pai Gow Poker is to be the banker. When you are the banker, you have a better chance of winning because you get to act last. This means that you can see what the other players have and adjust your strategy accordingly. Keep in mind that being the banker also comes with some risk, as you will have to pay out winnings to the other players if they beat your hand.
Setting the Hands Strategically
Setting your hands strategically is crucial to winning at Pai Gow Poker. One of the most important things to remember is to always set your two-card hand to be lower than your five-card hand. This is because the two-card hand is known as the “low” hand and the five-card hand is known as the “high” hand. If your low hand is higher than your high hand, it is an automatic loss.
Another important strategy is to look for pairs when setting your hands. If you have a pair of cards, it is usually best to split them up and put one in your low hand and one in your high hand. This gives you a better chance of winning both hands.
Tips for Winning at Pai Gow Poker
- Learn the rules and strategies of the game before you start playing.
- Always set your hands strategically and follow the rules of the game.
- Consider being the banker, but remember that it comes with some risk.
- Don’t be afraid to ask the dealer for help if you are unsure of how to set your hands.
- Play with a clear head and don’t let your emotions get the best of you.
- Set a budget for yourself and stick to it.
- Take breaks if you start to feel frustrated or overwhelmed.
- Remember that Pai Gow Poker is a game of chance, so don’t get too discouraged if you don’t win every hand.
By following these strategies and tips, you can increase your chances of winning at Pai Gow Poker. Remember to always play responsibly and have fun!
Conclusion
Playing Pai Gow Poker can be a fun and exciting game that offers a unique twist on traditional poker. With its unique rules and strategies, it’s important to take the time to understand the game before diving in.
Remember to always split your hand according to the best possible strategy, keeping in mind both the high and low hands. Be sure to pay attention to the rules of the house, including any variations that might be in place.
As with any casino game, it’s important to set a budget and stick to it. Pai Gow Poker can be a slow-paced game, so it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and lose track of time and money. By setting limits ahead of time, you can ensure that you stay within your means and enjoy the game responsibly.
Overall, Pai Gow Poker is a great game for those looking for a change of pace from traditional poker games. With its unique rules and strategies, it offers a challenge that can be both fun and rewarding. So why not give it a try and see if you have what it takes to master this exciting game?