Casino Pai Gow

How to Play Pai Gow Poker

Every day, people all over the world start learning how to play Pai Gow poker.  The rules of the game are relatively simple, and the addition of poker combinations make it suitable for play in the world’s casinos.  Derived from the Chinese game of Pai Gow, up to seven players can participate at one time.

All you need to learn how to play Pai Gow poker is a standard deck of 52 cards and one joker.  The joker card acts as a wild card, allowing players to complete a flush, straight or straight flush.  The joker can only substitute for an ace.

Much like in blackjack, the players all compete against the dealer.  Your winning or losing at Pai Gow poker has nothing to do with the cards held by the other players.  The dealer’s hand is the only one you need to worry about.

Pai Gow Poker Rules

After making their wagers (many casinos may impose a minimum or maximum bet), each player receives seven cards.  According to Pai Gow poker rules, the players then look at their cards, while the dealer does not.

Players must next divide their hand into a 5-card hand and a 2-card hand.  For the 5-card hand, the values are basically the same as in poker, but with one exception.  A-2-3-4-5 is the second highest straight or straight flush, ranking only second to A-K-Q-J-10.  Since the joker card is included, the highest possible hand available is five aces.

For the 2-card hand, a pair of aces is the highest available hand.  Any pair will beat any two unmatched cards.  Each pair has the same value as in poker.

When learning how to play Pai Gow poker, also keep in mind that the 5-card hand must be higher than the 2-card hand.  For example, if the 2-card hand was a pair of aces, then the 5-card hand would have to have at least two pairs.  Pai Gow poker rules forbid players from discussing their hands with one another.

When they have finished forming their hands, each player places their two sets of cards face down on the table.  After they are placed on the table, players are no longer allowed to touch their cards.  The dealer then reveals his seven cards and, like the players, forms them into a 5-card and 2-card hand.

Once the dealer has formed his two hands, the cards of each player are revealed.  Each player’s 2-card hand is compared separately to the dealer’s 2-card hand.  The same rule applies for the 5-card hands.

Pai Gow Poker Payouts

To determine Pai Gow poker payouts, just consult the following information below:

- If the dealer’s 5-card and 2-card hands both beat the player, then the dealer gets the amount wagered by the player.

- If the player manages to beat both of the dealer’s hands, then the player doubles their money.

- If both the player and dealer win a hand, then no money changes hands.  This is what is known as a “push.”

- In the case of a tied hand, the dealer will win (in accordance with Pai Gow poker rules).