Have you ever come across Pai Gow Poker while browsing through casino games? If so, you might have noticed its rising popularity alongside classics like slots, baccarat, and roulette.
This unique game blends the ancient Chinese game of “Pai Gow” with the American favorite, “Poker.” Curious to dive into the world of Pai Gow Poker? You’re in the right spot! Let’s explore everything you need to know about this fascinating seven-card game.
History of Pai Gow Poker
Let’s take a little trip back in time. Pai Gow, the precursor to Pai Gow Poker, was a popular game in China during the Song Dynasty. It was played with a set of tiles rather than cards, with each player holding four tiles arranged into two pairs known as “backhand” and “forehand.”
The goal was to beat the banker’s two hands. Fast forward to the 1980s in Las Vegas, and Pai Gow Poker emerged. By combining the traditional game of Pai Gow with the familiar mechanics of poker, it quickly captured the interest of casino-goers.
This fusion created a game that’s easy to pick up but offers a depth of strategy that keeps players coming back for more. For a modern twist, you might enjoy exploring Stay Casino no deposit bonus to experience a range of exciting games without needing to make an initial deposit.
Aim of the Game
So, what’s the main goal when you’re at the Pai Gow Poker table? The aim is straightforward: arrange your seven cards into two hands—one with five cards and one with two cards—so that both your hands beat the banker’s hands. To win, both of your hands must rank higher than the dealer’s two hands. If you manage that, you’re a winner! If the hands are tied, the banker wins the round.
Basic Rules of Pai Gow Poker
Here’s a simple breakdown of how Pai Gow Poker works:
- Deck: Pai Gow Poker uses a standard 52-card deck plus a joker, which acts as a wild card.
- Hands: Each player is dealt seven cards. These are split into a five-card hand and a two-card hand.
- Hand Rankings: Your five-card hand must rank higher than your two-card hand. If it doesn’t, your hand is considered “fouled,” and the dealer will make the final call.
- Ties: If both hands tie, it’s a “copy,” and the banker wins.
- Payouts: Winning hands are paid even money. Losing hands forfeit the bet, and if one hand wins while the other loses, it’s a “push” (no money changes hands).
You’ll encounter traditional poker hands in Pai Gow Poker, including royal flushes, straight flushes, and four of a kind. Each has its own ranking, and knowing how to arrange these hands effectively is key to playing well.
Understanding the Hand Order in Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker involves some unique strategies when arranging your hands. Here’s how to set them up:
Player Hand
Here’s the trick: you need to arrange your seven cards into two hands:
- High Hand: This is your five-card hand.
- Low Hand: This is your two-card hand.
Your five-card hand must always rank higher than your two-card hand. If you don’t follow this rule, your hand will be deemed “fouled,” and the dealer will decide the outcome. Your five-card hand is placed face down in the “high hand” area, and your two-card hand goes face down in the “second-highest” spot.
House Hand
The dealer also sets their hand according to a specific “house way”:
- High Hand: Placed closest to the bankroll rack.
- Low Hand: Positioned above the five-card hand and in descending order of value.
House Way
The house way is essentially the casino’s preset method for arranging hands. Players can opt for the house way by placing their hand face down, and the dealer will apply the house way button to it. This button stays with the hand until a final decision is made.
Steps for Playing Pai Gow Poker
Ready to try your hand at Pai Gow Poker? Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
- Choose a Dealer: Pick a dealer to handle the cards.
- Place Bets: Wager your money before the cards are dealt.
- Deal Cards: Each player receives seven cards.
- Set Your Hands: Arrange your seven cards into a five-card hand and a two-card hand.
- Compare Hands:
- Compare your two-card hand with the dealer’s two-card hand.
- Compare your five-card hand with the dealer’s five-card hand.
- Outcome:
- If both of your hands are higher, you win.
- If one hand wins and the other loses, it’s a push.
- If both hands tie, the dealer wins.
7 Tips to Win at Pai Gow Poker
Winning at Pai Gow Poker combines skill and a bit of luck. Here are some tips to help you up your game:
Tip 1: No Pair, Straight, or Flush
If you’re holding no pairs, straights, or flushes, place your highest card in the five-card hand and the next highest card in the two-card hand. This maximizes your chances of having a stronger hand.
Tip 2: Two Pairs
- Top Pair Ace: Always split the pair.
- Top Pair King: Split unless the other pair consists of deuces. In that case, use the highest cards in the two-card hand.
- Six and Under: Split unless you have an ace. Then use the highest pair in the two-card hand.
- 7s to 10s: Split unless you have an ace. Then use the highest pair in the two-card hand.
- Jack to Ace: Split with the highest pair in the five-card hand.
Tip 3: Three Pairs
With three pairs, place the highest pair in your two-card hand.
Tip 4: Three of a Kind
If you have three of a kind, keep them together unless they are aces. In that case, place a pair of aces in the five-card hand and a single ace with the next highest card in the two-card hand.
Tip 5: Full House
With a full house, split with the pair in the two-card hand unless you have a second pair. In that case, use the highest pair in the two-card hand.
Tip 6: Straight Flush
Always keep a straight flush in the five-card hand. It’s a strong hand and deserves to be placed where it can have the most impact.
Tip 7: Four of a Kind
- Six or Fewer: Keep all four of a kind together.
- Seven to Tens: Split unless you have an ace; then place the ace in the two-card hand.
- Face Cards: Split unless you have another pair to use in the two-card hand.
Bonus Tip: Five Aces
If you’re lucky enough to have five aces, always split them unless you also have a pair of kings. In that case, place the kings in the two-card hand.
Conclusion
Pai Gow Poker is a thrilling game that combines the strategic elements of poker with the traditional game of Pai Gow. Played with a 52-card deck plus a joker, the game involves dealing seven cards and splitting them into two hands: one with five cards and one with two cards. The goal is to have both hands beat the dealer’s hands.
While no strategy guarantees a win, knowing how to arrange your hands and understanding the house way can certainly improve your chances. So, whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, remember these tips and enjoy the challenge Pai Gow Poker brings to the table.
