Pai Gow Poker is a popular casino game that originated in China. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, plus one joker.
The objective of the game is to create two hands – one with five cards and the other with two cards – that beat the dealer’s hands. In this article, we will discuss the rules for playing Pai Gow Poker.
Gameplay
At the start of each round, players place their bets on the table. The dealer then shuffles the deck and deals seven cards to each player face down. The remaining cards are placed in a stack in front of the dealer.
The players then arrange their seven cards into two separate hands: a five-card hand (also known as the “high” hand) and a two-card hand (also known as the “low” hand). The five-card hand must be higher than the two-card hand. If a player’s hands are not arranged correctly, they automatically lose their bet.
Once all players have arranged their hands, they reveal them to the dealer. The dealer then compares each player’s hands to his own. To win, both of a player’s hands must beat both of the dealer’s hands.
Hand Rankings
The rankings for Pai Gow Poker are similar to traditional poker rankings, with some exceptions:
- Ace-two-three-four-five is considered the second-highest straight.
- The joker can be used as an ace or as any card that completes a flush or straight.
- A five-card hand consisting of four-of-a-kind and an ace is called a “Five Aces” and is considered the highest ranking hand in Pai Gow Poker.
Winning Hands
If both of a player’s hands beat both of the dealer’s hands, the player wins even money on their bet, minus a commission fee (usually 5%).
If one of a player’s hands beats the dealer’s hand and the other hand loses, it is considered a push and the player’s bet is returned.
If both of a player’s hands lose to the dealer’s hands, the player loses their bet.
Strategy
One common strategy for Pai Gow Poker is to set your five-card hand as high as possible without breaking up your two-card hand. This increases your chances of winning at least one hand against the dealer.
Another strategy is to pay attention to how other players are arranging their hands. This can give you an idea of what cards are still in play and help you make better decisions when arranging your own hands.
Conclusion
Pai Gow Poker is an exciting and challenging game that requires skill and strategy. By following these rules and using sound strategy, you can increase your chances of winning at this popular casino game.
