Pai Gow Poker

Introduction

Pai Gow Poker is an entertaining card game that is also known as Double Hand Poker. This game is gradually gaining popularity on online platforms and live gaming rooms. In this article, we will learn the objective, rules, and gameplay. We will also explore the most common forms of this poker game and learn about how you can get an edge over your opponents in the game.

Objective

In Pai Go Poker, the players are dealt 7 cards. The objective is to make two hands:

• A five-card “high” hand, which is also known as the back hand or big hand.
• A two-card “low” hand, which is also known as the front hand or small hand.

The player has to beat the banker’s hands with their two hands. If one of the player’s hands is better than the banker’s hand, and if the other hand is equal to or better than the banker's, then the game will be a tie, and the player won’t lose any money. If none of the player’s hands are better than the banker, the player will lose their bet amount.

History of Pai Gow Poker

Historically, Pai Gow Poker has originated from the traditional Chinese game Pai Gow. This card variant emerged in the 1980s in the United States, bringing together elements of poker and the original Pai Gow game. It quickly gained popularity in casinos, appealing to experienced poker players and new players looking for a fun-filled and challenging game. Pai Gow Poker is played with a traditional 52-card deck and one joker card that is also treated as an Ace in this game where hands like Straight or Flush are to be made. Pai Gow Poker follows the same poker hand rankings as a traditional poker game. Here, the two hands that are created follow the same poker rules as the traditional format: the highest five-card hand possible is a hand with five aces (4 aces of different suits and one joker), and the highest two cards are a hand with two aces.

How to Play Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker can be played between 2 to 6 players with a standard 52-card deck plus one Joker.

Gameplay

Once everyone's ante (the mandatory wager each player makes before the cards hit the table) is in the pot, the dealer deals out seven cards face down to each eager participant. Each player can arrange their cards into a ‘high’ hand and a ‘low’ hand of two cards.

After arranging their cards, players reveal their hands. The dealer then reveals their cards and sets their hand according to the ‘house way’ - a predetermined set of rules that dictates how the dealer must set their hand.

Comparison of Hands

High Hand (back hand/big hand): The five-card hand is compared to the dealer's five-card hand.

Low Hand (front hand/small hand): The two-card hand is compared to the dealer's two-card hand.

Pai Gow Poker Rules

• If both the player's high and low hands beat the dealer's hands, the player wins the round.
• If only one of the player's hands beats the dealer's corresponding hand, it's a push, and the player neither wins nor loses.
• If both of the player's hands lose to the dealer's hands, the player loses the round and forfeits their wager.
• If one of the player's hands ties with the dealer's corresponding hand and the other hand wins, it is considered a push, and the player neither wins nor loses.

In casinos, players can act as the banker, rotating clockwise around the table.

Role of Joker

The Joker acts as a wildcard to complete a flush or straight. When not aiding in these scenarios, the Joker functions as an Ace. If a player fails to achieve at least a pair with their cards (for example, a hand like Q-10-8-6-4-3-2), this is termed a ‘pai gow’.

Types of Pai Gow Poker

Commission-Free Pai Gow Poker

One of the most popular variations of Pai Gow Poker is Commission-Free Pai Gow Poker. In this version, players do not pay a commission on their winnings. Nevertheless, there is generally a condition that holds if a player develops a ‘copy‘ hand (both high and low hands of the player tie with the dealer's); this situation counts as a win for the dealer.

Progressive Pai Gow Poker

Progressive Pai Gow Poker allows players the chance to earn a bonus win while they enjoy their regular winnings. To take part in the progressive jackpot, it is essential for the players to play with a side bet placed at the beginning of the game. For some rare hands, like a seven-card straight flush, the jackpot amount is awarded to lucky winners.

Fortune Pai Gow Poker

Fortune Pai Gow Poker is a game that features a bonus bet determined by the power of the player's seven cards. It pays on specific poker hands whether or not the player loses or wins the main hand against the dealer.

Emperor's Challenge Pai Gow Poker

This variation can be played as a side game that offers an additional bet on achieving a seven-card straight flush. Typically, this side bet can offer a sizable payout, but is hard to win.

High Hand/No Push Pai Gow Poker

In this variation, if the high hand of a player equals that of the dealer's hand, it does not result in a push but is considered a loss for the player's bet.

Pai Gow Poker side bets

Side bets in Pai Gow Poker add excitement to the game, offering players the chance to win extra payouts beyond the regular gameplay winnings. In the side bets, the player is not changing their main gameplay betting, but they are making an additional bet that is over and above and separate from the main game. Here are some common types of side bets you should know:

• Flush Bet: This side bet pays if the player's hand is a flush (five cards of the same suit), regardless of whether they win or lose against the dealer.
• Straight Bet: Similar to the flush bet, this pays out if the player's hand forms a straight (five cards in a numerical sequence) independent of the outcome against the dealer.
• Pair Bet: This side bet rewards players who have at least one pair in their hand, providing a win even if the main game does not go their way.
• Any Pair Bet: This side bet is on whether the player will get any pair in their seven cards, offering lower payouts but an increased chance of winning.
• Progressive Jackpot Bet: A side bet that contributes to a growing jackpot. Players must place this bet at the beginning of the game, and certain rare hands (like a seven-card straight or seven-card flush) can result in significant payouts.
• Bonus Poker Bet: In some casinos, players can place a bet on the odds of achieving certain high-value hands, like a full house or four of a kind.

Below are the names of some more famous and popular Pai Gow side bets:

• Fortune Pai Gow: Here, the players side bet on sets (Three-of-a-Kind) or better hands.
• Pai Gow Mania: Here, players are allowed to make two side bets.
• Emperor’s Challenge: Here, players make a side bet on a pai gow.
• Progressive Fortune Pai Gow: Here, players can place the side bets with a seven-card straight flush.

Another type of side bet bonus that is getting famous in some casinos is the envy bonus. In this bonus, players can bet on other players, making a certain hand.

Players should avoid making side bets and envy bets in Pai Gow Poker as the expected value of these bets is more negative than the expected value of the Pai Gow game itself.

Pai Gow Poker Strategies

Here's a how to improve your game in Pai Gow Poker

Understand the Basics

If you want to improve your skills, the key thing is to know all the basics about the game and gain a solid understanding. The more information you have about the fundamentals of the game, the easier it will be for you to make accurate decisions at the table.

Splitting Pairs

If you receive a pair, you have to make adjustments in your strategy as per the value of your pair and the rest of your hand. It is recommended to split pairs unless you have a pair of Aces. This ensures a stronger high hand and increases your chances of winning against the dealer.

Playing the Joker

If you are dealt the Joker, it is a wild card that can be used to complete a straight, flush, straight flush, or as an Ace. You should strategically place the Joker in a way that maximizes the strength of both your hands.

Avoiding the House Edge

The house edge in Pai Gow Poker primarily stems from the dealer winning ties. To minimize this advantage, you should aim to construct your hands to ensure a high probability of at least one hand beating the dealer.

Banking

If given the opportunity to bank, you need to consider the advantages and disadvantages carefully. While banking allows you to play against all other players at the table, it also requires a higher bankroll to cover potential losses. Only bank when you feel confident in your skills and have a sufficient bankroll to sustain potential losses.

Understanding House Rules

You need to familiarize yourself with the rules of the casino you are playing in. Some casinos have variations on standard Pai Gow Poker rules, which can influence your strategy.

Practice and Patience

Like any other poker variant, mastering Pai Gow Poker takes practice and patience. Start with small bets until you become comfortable with the strategies and nuances of the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you play Pai Gow Poker?

Pai Gow Poker uses a standard deck with 52 cards and an extra joker card. Each player is dealt seven cards by the dealer, which they use to create two separate poker hands based on a five-card hand (high hand) and a two-card hand (low hand). If a player wants to win, they have to beat both corresponding hands of the dealer. As soon as each player sets their hands, they are compared with those of the dealer so as to identify who won.

What is the best hand in Pai Gow?

In this regard, it can be argued that having five Aces in Pai Gow poker is excellent because it consists of four aces and one joker. This deal is unassailable and always leads to success.

Is there a strategy for Pai Gow Poker?

Indeed, these strategic players employ strategies—skillfully identifying pairs in their hands, cleverly splitting the pair, making good use of the Joker, reducing house advantage, and carefully managing their bankroll. These strategies help refine gameplay and possibly increase their chances of a successful gaming experience.

What are the payouts for Pai Gow Poker?

Payouts in Pai Gow Poker follow a standard structure - winning the high hand and low hand against the dealer results in a 1:1 payout minus a 5% commission. If only one of your hands beats the dealer while the other hand loses, it is considered a push, and your bet is returned. Additionally, when players choose to bank, they may receive payouts or owe commissions based on their success against other players at the table.

Conclusion

Pai Gow Poker offers a unique combination of traditional Chinese gaming and Western poker strategy. It is simple, action-packed and, most of all, engaging. Whether playing at a casino or online, Pai Gow Poker appeals to both casual gamers and seasoned poker enthusiasts.