Pai Gow Poker: A Guide to Rules, Strategies, and Variations

Pai Gow Poker is a popular casino game that originated in China and is now played all over the world. It is a unique blend of poker and the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow, which uses tiles instead of cards. The game is easy to learn, but it requires skill and strategy to master. In this article, we will explore the rules of Pai Gow Poker, how to play the game, and the different variations of the game.

Pai Gow Poker Rules

Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard deck of 52 cards plus one joker, which can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or a flush.

The game is played with six players and a dealer. The object of the game is to create two poker hands, one with five cards and one with two cards, that will beat the dealer’s two hands.

The five-card hand is often referred to as the “high hand” or the “big hand,” while the two-card hand is known as the “low hand” or the “small hand.” The high hand must be higher in rank than the low hand. If the player’s hands beat the dealer’s hands, the player wins. If the dealer’s hands beat the player’s hands, the player loses. If one hand wins and one hand loses, it is a push, and the player gets their bet back.

How to Play Pai Gow Poker

To begin the game, each player places their bet on the table. The dealer then shuffles the deck and deals seven cards to each player, including the dealer. Each player then separates their seven cards into a five-card hand and a two-card hand. The dealer does the same.

The player’s five-card hand must be higher in rank than their two-card hand. For example, if the player has a pair of aces, they must place one of the aces in their two-card hand and the other ace in their five-card hand. The highest-ranking five-card 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. The two-card hand can only be a pair or high cards.

Once all the players have arranged their hands, the dealer will reveal their hands. The dealer’s hands must also consist of a five-card hand and a two-card hand. The dealer must follow a specific set of rules for arranging their hands. If the dealer’s five-card hand is a straight or better, they must play their hand according to a specific set of rules. If the dealer’s five-card hand is not a straight or better, they must play their hand according to another set of rules.

After the dealer has arranged their hands, the player’s hands are compared to the dealer’s hands. If both of the player’s hands beat the dealer’s hands, the player wins. If one of the player’s hands beats the dealer’s hand and the other hand loses, it is a push. If both of the player’s hands lose to the dealer’s hands, the player loses.

Pai Gow Poker Online

Pai Gow Poker is a popular game at online casinos. Many online casinos offer Pai Gow Poker as part of their table game selection. The game is played the same way as it is in a brick-and-mortar casino, but the cards are dealt by a computer program instead of a live dealer.

Playing Pai Gow Poker online has several advantages. The game is available 24/7, and players can play at their own pace. Players can also take advantage of the various bonuses and promotions offered by online casinos. However, playing Pai Gow Poker online does not offer the same social experience as playing in a live casino.

Pai Gow Poker Free

Many online casinos offer Pai Gow Poker for free. Players can practice the game without risking any real money. Playing Pai Gow Poker for free is a great way for beginners to learn the game and for experienced players to try out new strategies.

Play Pai Gow Poker for Real Money or Free

Once players have become comfortable with the game, they can switch to playing Pai Gow Poker for real money. Players can place real money bets and potentially win real money. It is important to remember to gamble responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose.

Also read: 3 Card Poker: A Beginner’s Guide to Winning Big

Pai Gow Tiles

Pai Gow Tiles is another version of the game that uses tiles instead of cards. The game is played with 32 tiles, which are similar to dominoes. Each tile has a rank and a suit. The game is played with four players and a dealer. Each player is dealt four tiles and must divide their tiles into two hands, one with two tiles and one with two tiles.

The object of the game is to create two hands that will beat the dealer’s two hands. The highest-ranking hand is a pair of nines, followed by a pair of eights, sevens, and so on. The game follows the same rules as Pai Gow Poker, with the exceptionthat there are no straights or flushes in Pai Gow Tiles.

Pai Gow Hand Rankings

The hand rankings in Pai Gow Poker are the same as in traditional poker, with a few exceptions. 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. In Pai Gow Poker, the second-highest ranking hand is a five of a kind, which is a hand that contains four of a kind plus a joker.

In Pai Gow Tiles, the hand rankings are slightly different. The highest-ranking hand is a pair of nines, followed by a pair of eights, sevens, and so on. The lowest-ranking hand is a pair of ones.

Pai Gow Dominoes

Pai Gow Dominoes is another variation of the game that uses dominoes instead of cards or tiles. The game is played with 32 dominoes, which are divided into two suits: military and civil. Each suit has tiles numbered one through eight.

The game is played with four players and a dealer. Each player is dealt four dominoes and must divide their dominoes into two hands, one with two dominoes and one with two dominoes. The object of the game is to create two hands that will beat the dealer’s two hands.

Pai Gow Cards

Finally, Pai Gow Cards is a version of the game that is played with playing cards instead of tiles or dominoes. The game is played with two decks of cards and is similar to Pai Gow Poker. The main difference is that Pai Gow Cards uses a different set of hand rankings.

In Pai Gow Cards, the highest-ranking hand is a seven-card straight flush, followed by a royal flush, seven-card straight, five aces, six-card straight flush, and so on. The game also includes a side bet option called the “fortune bonus,” which pays out based on the strength of the player’s hand.

Also read: The Best Poker Venues in the World

Conclusion

Pai Gow Poker is a fascinating game that combines elements of poker and ancient Chinese games.

The game is easy to learn, but it requires skill and strategy to master. In this article, we have explored the rules of Pai Gow Poker, how to play the game, and the different variations of the game. Whether you prefer playing with cards, tiles, or dominoes, there is a version of Pai Gow that will suit your preferences. Whether you are playing for fun or for real money, Pai Gow Poker offers an exciting and unique gaming experience.

What are the rules for Pai Gow Poker?

Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard deck of 52 cards plus one joker. The game is played with six players and a dealer. Each player is dealt seven cards, which they must separate into a five-card hand and a two-card hand. The object of the game is to create two poker hands that will beat the dealer’s two hands.

What does Pai Gow mean in poker?

Pai Gow Poker is named after the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow, which uses tiles instead of cards. The poker version of the game was invented in the United States in the 1980s and combines elements of poker and the original Pai Gow game.

Is there strategy in Pai Gow?

Yes, there is strategy involved in Pai Gow Poker. Players must decide how to split their seven cards into two hands that will beat the dealer’s two hands. There are also specific rules that the dealer must follow when arranging their hands, which can affect the player’s strategy.

What is the best hand in Pai Gow?

The best hand in Pai Gow Poker is a seven-card straight flush, which pays out at 5:1 odds. Other high-ranking hands include a royal flush, a five aces hand, and a six-card straight flush.

What are the payouts for Pai Gow Poker?

The payouts for Pai Gow Poker vary depending on the casino and the specific rules of the game. In general, the payouts for a winning hand range from even money to 2:1 odds. Some casinos also offer side bets, such as the Fortune Bonus, which can pay out up to 8,000:1 odds.

What does 5 aces pay in pai gow?

A five aces hand in Pai Gow Poker consists of four aces and the joker. The payout for a five aces hand varies depending on the casino, but it is typically the highest payout in the game. Some casinos offer a 2,500:1 payout for a five aces hand.

Does three of a kind beat a straight in Pai Gow Poker?

No, in Pai Gow Poker, a straight beats three of a kind. The hand rankings in Pai Gow Poker are the same as in traditional poker, with a few exceptions. A straight is ranked higher than three of a kind.

Is Pai Gow better than blackjack?

It is difficult to compare Pai Gow Poker to blackjack, as they are very different games. Pai Gow Poker offers a slower pace and a lower house edge than blackjack, but it also requires more strategy and skill. Some players may prefer the simplicity and fast pace of blackjack, while others may enjoy the unique challenge of Pai Gow Poker. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference.