Everything You Need to Know to Play Pai Gow Poker: Rules, Strategy, and More

Pai Gow Poker is a unique and engaging casino game that blends elements of the traditional Chinese game of Pai Gow with modern poker hand rankings.

It offers players a slower-paced, strategic alternative to more fast-paced poker games, like Texas Hold’em. With its low house edge and simple yet strategic gameplay, Pai Gow Poker has become a favorite in land-based casinos and many of the best online casinos worldwide.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the rules, strategies, and gameplay mechanics of Pai Gow Poker. With the information presented here, you can improve your understanding of the game and potentially increase your chances of success.

What Is Pai Gow Poker?

Pai Gow Poker combines elements from the traditional Chinese game of Pai Gow, which uses a set of Chinese dominoes, with the rules of poker.

Created in the 1980s by Sam Torosian, it quickly became popular in the United States due to its relatively low house edge and slower pace. Those elements appeal to casual and experienced players alike.

Unlike other poker variants where you compete against other players, Pai Gow Poker is a game between you and the dealer, with a unique two-hand format.

The Goal of the Game

Your objective in Pai Gow Poker is to create two poker hands from your seven dealt cards:

• A five-card hand (the “high hand”)
• A two-card hand (the “low hand”)

You must arrange these hands so that both beat the dealer’s corresponding hands.

If you win both hands, you win the round. If you win one hand and tie the other hand, the round is a “push.” And if you lose both hands, you lose your wager.

The Role of the Joker in Pai Gow Poker

In Pai Gow Poker, the Joker is a wild card, but it is not used in the same way as in other poker games.

The Joker can be used in a few specific ways:

• As an Ace: The Joker can substitute for any card to complete a hand. Typically, it is used as an Ace.
• To Complete a Straight or Flush: If the Joker can be used to complete a straight or flush, it can fulfill that role.
• Not for Royal Flushes: The Joker cannot complete a royal flush.

These special functions of the Joker add an interesting strategic layer to the game. They allow you to make stronger hands when used correctly.

How to Set Your Hands in Pai Gow Poker

In Pai Gow Poker, the most critical skill is setting your two hands correctly.

You are given seven cards, and you need to divide them into two hands:

• The five-card hand (high hand): The five-card hand should be the strongest poker hand possible, using the five most powerful cards.
• The two-card hand (low hand): This two-card hand must be ranked lower than your five-card hand. It can only be a pair or two high cards (Aces if possible).

Your hands must always follow this structure:

• The two-card hand must never be stronger than the five-card hand.
• The five-card hand should be the best possible hand you can make using the five strongest cards from your hand.

Basic Strategy for Setting Hands

• For Pairs: If you have multiple pairs, place the higher pair in your two-card hand. The five-card hand should contain the strongest possible hand with the remaining cards.
• With the Joker: If you have the Joker, use it to complete a straight or flush in your five-card hand. If not, treat it as an Ace to create the strongest possible five-card hand.
• Avoid Breaking High Pairs: Do not break pairs of high cards like Aces or Kings to try to improve your five-card hand, unless you are certain it will improve your odds.

Setting your hands incorrectly is one of the most common mistakes Pai Gow Poker players make. Doing so can drastically affect your chances of winning.

Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings

The hand rankings in Pai Gow Poker are the same as those used in standard poker:

• Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10, all of the same suit
• Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit
• Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank
• Full House: Three of a kind plus a pair
• Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence
• Straight: Five consecutive cards of any suit
• Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank
• Two Pair: Two different pairs
• One Pair: A single pair
• High Card: The highest card in your hand if no other hand is made

These hand rankings determine how both your five-card and two-card hands compare to the dealer’s hands. A higher-ranking hand wins over a lower-ranking one.

How the Dealer Sets Their Hand: The House Way

In Pai Gow Poker, the dealer does not have the same flexibility as the player when it comes to setting hands.

The dealer must follow a set of predefined rules known as the House Way to set their hand. This ensures fairness and consistency.

Generally, the House Way dictates that the dealer:

• Five-Card Hand: The dealer’s five-card hand is arranged in the strongest possible way according to poker hand rankings.
• Two-Card Hand: The dealer’s two-card hand should be made from the remaining cards. It must prioritize the highest pair or the highest cards (usually Aces if possible).

If the dealer’s two-card hand is ranked higher than the five-card hand, the dealer must adjust the hand to ensure the two-card hand is weaker.

Understanding that the dealer is required to follow a fixed strategy helps players focus on their hand arrangement without worrying about the dealer’s possible moves.

Betting and Payouts in Pai Gow Poker

Before the cards are dealt, players place their initial bet.

After the cards are dealt, you compare your two hands with the dealer’s two hands.

The potential outcomes are as follows:

• Win Both Hands: If both your five-card and two-card hands beat the dealer’s, you win and receive an even-money payout (1:1).
• Push (Tie): If one of your hands wins and the other ties with the dealer’s, the round results in a push. No money is lost or won.
• Lose Both Hands: If both of your hands lose to the dealer’s, you lose your bet.

One unique aspect of Pai Gow Poker is that pushes are common.

This is due to the dealer’s fixed hand-setting rules and the structure of the game, where players often win or lose one hand but tie on the other.

This often results in a more relaxed betting environment compared to other casino poker games.

The House Edge in Pai Gow Poker

One of the key reasons Pai Gow Poker is attractive to players is its low house edge.

The house edge in Pai Gow Poker typically ranges from 2.5% to 2.7%, depending on specific casino rules. This is relatively low compared to many other casino games, which often have house edges of 5% or more.

The low house edge is largely due to the push mechanism in the game. Pushes reduce the frequency of total losses for players. While the pace of the game is slow, and hands can tie frequently, this gives players more time to strategize and make informed decisions.

Basic and Advanced Pai Gow Poker Strategies

In Pai Gow Poker, your success largely depends on how well you set your hands.

Below are some strategies to help improve your Pai Gow Poker gameplay.

Basic Pai Gow Poker Strategies

• Set Your Two-Card Hand First: Always arrange your two-card hand first. Make sure it’s as weak as possible without violating the rule that it must be weaker than the five-card hand.
• Make Use of the Joker: Use the Joker strategically to complete a straight or flush. If no such opportunity exists, use it as an Ace.
• Understand When to Split Pairs: If you have multiple pairs, split them so that the higher pair goes into your two-card hand, and the rest of your cards go into the five-card hand.

Advanced Pai Gow Poker Strategies

• Know the House Way: The dealer’s hand is set using fixed rules, so take advantage of this knowledge. Knowing how the dealer will set their hand helps you anticipate the results and make better decisions with your own hands.
• Keep Pairs of High Cards in the Two-Card Hand: Always keep high pairs (like Aces and Kings) in your two-card hand. Breaking these pairs can be detrimental to your hopes of winning unless you are forming a very strong five-card hand.
• Focus on the Long-Term Strategy: Pai Gow Poker is a slower-paced game. Take your time and focus on maximizing the chances of winning one or both hands. Do not try for an immediate large payout.

How to Play Pai Gow Poker Online

Pai Gow Poker is easy to play online and follows nearly identical rules to the land-based version.

The key differences are in the number of players and how the game handles improper splits.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for playing Pai Gow Poker online:

Choose a Casino

Start by selecting a reputable online casino offering Pai Gow Poker, either as an RNG-based game or with a live dealer. For example, Lucky Red Casino and DuckyLuck Casino, which are two of the best crypto casinos, both offer Pai Gow Poker.

Place Your Bets

Before the game begins, you’ll need to place your bet. Online games often allow a range of bets, from casual to high stakes.

Dealing the Cards

You will be dealt seven cards, either by online software or a live dealer in real-time.

Hand Setting

You must arrange your seven cards into two hands:

• A five-card “high” hand.
• A two-card “low” hand.

Online games may allow automatic hand-setting based on predefined strategies, or you can manually set your hands.

Comparing Hands

The dealer’s hand is set according to the casino’s house way, and your hands are compared to the dealer’s. If both of your hands beat the dealer’s, you win.

Outcome and Payouts

Based on your hand comparison, you’ll either win, lose, or push (tie). A win usually pays even money (1:1).

Differences Between Online and Land-Based Pai Gow Poker

While the fundamental rules are the same, there are two notable differences between playing Pai Gow Poker online and at a land-based casino:

Number of Players

In land-based casinos, there can be up to six players at the table, all playing against the dealer. Online, it is just you versus the dealer. This simplifies the game and can speed up play since you do not have to wait on other players.

Handling Improper Splits

In a land-based casino, splitting your seven cards incorrectly (for example, creating a two-card hand stronger than your five-card hand) is considered a foul, and you will automatically lose your bet.

Online platforms prevent this by automatically blocking any illegal splits. This ensures that you cannot make an improper move that could result in losing your wager.

Additional Considerations for Online Pai Gow Poker Play

• Speed: Online games typically proceed faster than live games because there’s no dealer interaction or physical card dealing. This can make the game feel quicker, but also less social.
• Live Dealer Games: Some online casinos offer live dealer versions of Pai Gow Poker. Live dealer games combine the real-time experience of a land-based casino with the convenience of online play. This can give you the best of both worlds: interacting with a real dealer while still enjoying the comforts of playing from home.
• Bonuses and Promotions: Real money online casinos often offer bonuses and promotions that aren’t available at land-based casinos, such as welcome bonuses, which can enhance your Pai Gow Poker experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Pai Gow Poker

• Breaking Pairs of High Cards: Avoid breaking pairs of high cards in the hope of creating a stronger five-card hand. This can lead to a weaker two-card hand and increase the risk of losing.
• Incorrectly Using the Joker: The Joker should be used only to complete a flush or straight, or as an Ace when needed. Misusing the Joker can harm your chances of setting a strong hand.
• Ignoring House Way Strategy: The dealer’s hand is set according to fixed rules, so you don’t need to worry about adapting to their hand. Instead, focus on setting your own hands strategically.

Conclusion

Pai Gow Poker is a unique and enjoyable game that requires a blend of luck, strategy, and patience.

Understanding the basics of hand-setting, using the Joker effectively, and following basic strategies can increase your chances of winning or pushing, especially considering the game’s low house edge.

If you avoid common mistakes and learning the dealer’s fixed hand-setting rules, you can improve your gameplay and enjoy the slower-paced, strategic nature of Pai Gow Poker.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, this casino game offers a fun and rewarding experience for all. Good luck, and always

Other Casino Content

In addition to our catalog of sports betting guides, we now have a collection of casino content that covers the basics of casino gambling, including this Pai Gow Poker guide.

• Casino Guides

If you would like to learn more about everything from online casino terminology, to how to play popular table games such as blackjack and roulette, to tips for responsible gambling, we have you covered.

Also, if you are looking for a new site to play poker or other casino games, check out our reviews of the best online casinos for US players and the best real money online casinos., as well as our rundown of the best crypto casinos.

Pai Gow Poker FAQ

Topic Related Pages

Best Online Poker Sites for US Players You Should Try
Top-Rated Online Casinos in Canada to Choose From