What Is the Fortune Bonus in Pai Gow Poker?

If you’re a fan of poker, you might have heard of Pai Gow Poker. This game is a unique fusion of American poker and traditional Chinese game Pai Gow.

It is played with a 52-card deck and a joker card that can be used to complete a straight, flush, or straight flush. In Pai Gow Poker, players compete against the dealer rather than against each other.

One of the most exciting features of Pai Gow Poker is the Fortune Bonus. This bonus bet allows players to win big payouts if they make qualifying hands. The Fortune Bonus bet is optional and can be placed alongside the regular bet before the start of each hand.

So, what exactly is the Fortune Bonus in Pai Gow Poker? Let’s take a closer look:

How Does the Fortune Bonus Work?

The Fortune Bonus pays out based on the strength of your hand. To qualify for the bonus payout, your hand must be at least three-of-a-kind or better. The higher your hand ranking, the bigger your payout will be.

Here’s a breakdown of the Fortune Bonus payouts:

  • Three-of-a-kind: 2 to 1
  • Straight: 4 to 1
  • Flush: 7 to 1
  • Full House: 20 to 1
  • Four-of-a-kind: 40 to 1
  • Straight Flush: 50 to 1
  • Royal Flush (with joker): 200 to 1
PRO TIP:When playing Pai Gow Poker, it is important to remember that the Fortune Bonus pays out on hands consisting of 4-of-a-kind, straight flush, or royal flush. The payouts for these are progressive and start at 40:1 for 4-of-a-kind and reach up to 8,000:1 for a royal flush.

As you can see, making a qualifying hand can result in some huge payouts. However, it’s important to remember that these payouts are only available if you place an optional Fortune Bonus bet.

Should You Place a Fortune Bonus Bet?

Deciding whether to place a Fortune Bonus bet is ultimately up to you. It’s important to remember that this bet is entirely optional and does not affect the outcome of the regular Pai Gow Poker game.

If you’re feeling lucky and want to potentially win big, placing a Fortune Bonus bet can be a fun way to add some excitement to the game. However, keep in mind that the odds of making a qualifying hand are relatively low. So, if you’re on a budget or prefer more conservative gameplay, it might be best to skip the Fortune Bonus bet.

Tips for Playing Pai Gow Poker with the Fortune Bonus

If you do decide to place a Fortune Bonus bet in Pai Gow Poker, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Make sure you understand the rules and payouts of the Fortune Bonus before placing your bet.
  • Don’t let the Fortune Bonus distract you from playing solid Pai Gow Poker strategy.
  • Consider placing smaller bets on the Fortune Bonus if you’re unsure about your hand strength.
  • Remember that the odds of making a qualifying hand are relatively low, so don’t rely solely on the Fortune Bonus for big payouts.

Overall, the Fortune Bonus can add an extra layer of excitement to an already thrilling game. Just remember to play responsibly and have fun!