Ultimate Guide to Pai Gow Poker- Origin, Rules, Gameplay & Strategies
If you're already familiar with traditional card games like poker, blackjack, and baccarat, you have a solid foundation to grasp the essentials of Pai Gow Poker. Called double hand poker, this intriguing casino game is an adaptation of an ancient Chinese game. It blends elements from the strategic complexity of games like Texas Hold'Em with the comparative simplicity found in Baccarat. This unique fusion creates a new and exciting gaming experience.
Pai Gow Poker, which has become a popular fixture in many casinos, is known for its engaging blend of luck and skill. Unlike traditional poker, where the competition is typically against other players, Pai Gow Poker is played against the dealer. This aspect makes it a more relaxed yet equally challenging game compared to its counterparts.
For those who haven't yet explored the world of poker, blackjack, or baccarat, Pai Gow Poker offers an excellent gateway. Its roots in an ancient Chinese game give it a unique flavor, and while the rules are distinct, they are straightforward enough for beginners. At the same time, the game offers enough strategic depth to keep seasoned card players engaged.
In the following guide, we will delve deeper into the rules, strategies, and intriguing nuances of Pai Gow Poker, highlighting its unique position as a bridge between ancient Chinese gaming traditions and modern casino entertainment.
The goal of Pai Gow Poker is to create two separate poker hands (a five-card hand and a two-card hand) from seven cards dealt, which both need to beat the dealer's corresponding hands.
History of Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is based on the Chinese domino game Pai Gow poker was first introduced to American casinos in 1987. This version of Pai Gow poker uses poker hands instead of dominos but otherwise follows the same rules as dominoes.
In this version of the game, two players compete against the dealer. Each player is dealt seven cards from which they must make two different hands: one five-card hand and one two-card hand (known as an "opening" bet). The player places an opening bet equal to half their total stake on each hand. Then, after being dealt their cards, they split their bets. This can be done by placing half your total wager on each card or dividing it evenly across all five cards.
To win their five-card hand, a player must beat the dealer's hands. If they win and lose the other, it is considered a push, and their money is returned.
How to play Pai Gow Poker: Rules & Gameplay
Read the following sections carefully to learn how to play Pai Gow Poker. The rules can be confusing at first if you are a beginner, but with little practice, you can master this game quickly.
Rules
The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards plus one joker, which can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or flush. The objective is to create two poker hands out of the seven cards dealt to each player: a five-card hand and a two-card hand. The five-card hand must outrank the two-card hand, and both of your hands must beat the dealer's hands to win.
Gameplay
The object of the game is to make a hand that beats those held by your opponents while also
making sure not to bust yourself.
- Before any decisions are made, players need to place their bets.
- Then, the round begins when each player receives seven cards face down. These are called a "hand" or "set" in Pai Gow Poker.
- The player must then create two separate hands from their seven card set ("bricks") and place them on the table: one brick facing up and one brick facing down.
- The dealer will then do something similar: split up their seven-card set into two separate three-card hands and place them on the table in front of them.
- Then you compare the hands, and the best one wins.
No matter how many people play, four cards remain unused.
Pai Gow Poker: Hand Rankings and Payouts
Pai Gow Poker, an intriguing blend of traditional poker and an ancient Chinese tile game, is played with a standard deck of 52 cards plus one joker. The game starts with the dealer dealing seven face-down piles of cards to each player. Players then create two hands: a five-card poker hand and a two-card hand. The five-card hand must always rank higher than the two-card hand. The goal is to beat both of the dealer's corresponding hands. Some casinos offer a "Fortune Bonus," which pays out based on the strength of a player’s seven-card hand, regardless of how it's split. Now, let's delve into the hand rankings in Pai Gow Poker:
7 Card Straight Flush (No Joker):
This is the highest possible hand in Pai Gow Poker. It consists of seven consecutive cards of the same suit, without the use of a joker.
Example: 5-6-7-8-9-10-J of hearts.
Payout: Often associated with the maximum score or jackpot in the Fortune Bonus.
Royal Flush + Royal Match:
A rare combination comprising a Royal Flush (Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10 of the same suit) and a King-Queen suited pair.
Payout: This impressive hand usually commands a high payout in the Fortune Bonus.
7 Card Straight Flush (With Joker):
Similar to the straight flush but includes the joker. The joker acts as a wild card to complete the sequence.
Example: 8-9-10-J-Q-K and a joker, all in spades.
Five Aces:
The highest five-card hand in Pai Gow Poker, consisting of four aces and the joker.
Payout: This hand wins a significant payout, often the second highest in the game next to a seven-card straight flush without a joker.
Royal Flush:
An ace-high straight flush. It's the highest possible hand in traditional poker.
Example: A-K-Q-J-10 of diamonds.
Straight Flush:
A combination of a straight and a flush - five cards in numerical sequence, all of the same suit.
Example: 3-4-5-6-7 of clubs.
Four of a Kind:
Four cards of the same rank. The fifth card can be any card.
Example: Four aces and any other card.
Full House:
A hand with three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
Example: Three Kings and two Aces.
Flush:
Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
Example: 2-6-9-J-K, all in hearts.
Straight:
Five cards in sequence, but not all of the same suit.
Example: 4-5-6-7-8 of mixed suits.
Three of a Kind:
Description: Three cards of the same rank.
Example: Three 7s.
Two Pair:
Two pairs of cards, each pair containing two cards of the same rank.
Example: Two Aces and two 3s.
One Pair:
Description: Two cards of the same rank.
Example: Two 8s.
High Card:
Description: If none of the above hands are formed, the highest card in your hand is your high card. It's the lowest-ranking hand in Pai Gow Poker.
Example: A hand with a maximum card of a King, with no pairs or better combinations.
What are Envy Bonuses?
In Pai Gow Poker, an "envy bonus" is a special type of payout that players can win under certain circumstances. It's not a part of the traditional Pai Gow game but is a feature added in many casinos to add an extra element of excitement to the game. Here's a detailed look at what an envy bonus is and how it works:
Optional Side Bet: The envy bonus is typically an optional side bet that players can make in addition to their main bet in Pai Gow Poker.
Triggered by Other Players' Hands: The unique aspect of the envy bonus is that it's not based on the player’s own hand, but rather on the hands of other players at the table. If another player at the table gets a premium hand (usually a straight flush or better), then anyone who has made the envy bonus bet will receive a bonus payout.
Not Dependent on Winning or Losing: The player who wins the envy bonus does not need to win their primary Pai Gow hand. The bonus is strictly based on the occurrence of high-ranking hands at the table.
Envy Bonus Payout
Varies by Casino and Hand Rank: The specific amount of the envy bonus payout varies from casino to casino and depends on the rank of the hand that triggers it. Higher ranking hands generally lead to higher envy bonus payouts.
Typical Payout Structure: For example, if a player hits a seven-card straight flush (which is an exceptionally rare and strong hand), this bonus payout for the other players who made the envy bet might be a significant amount, like $100 or more.
No Payout for Own Hand: It’s important to note that if you are the one who hits the high-ranking hand, you won’t receive an envy bonus on your own bet. The bonus is only for other players who made the envy side bet.
Pai Gow Strategy and Tips
The best strategy for playing Pai Gow Poker online is like for blackjack: Don't get too greedy! Also, read on to find some more strategy tips on Pai Gow Poker.
Pai Gow Poker Strategy
Understanding the Basics:
Objective: The primary objective in Pai Gow Poker is to create two poker hands (a five-card hand and a two-card hand) that both beat the dealer's corresponding hands.
Hand Rankings: Familiarize yourself with the hand rankings in poker. The five-card hand should always be stronger than the two-card hand.
Pair Handling:
High Pairs: Always split pairs of Jacks or better between the two hands.
Low Pairs: With pairs lower than Jacks, consider keeping them in the high hand unless you can form a strong second hand.
Multiple Pairs: If you have two pairs, generally split them unless you have a strong single pair to put in the low hand.
Managing Full Houses:
It's often advisable to split a full house. Keep the pair in the two-card hand and use the three of a kind in the five-card hand.
Straight and Flush Strategy:
In cases where you can form a straight or a flush, evaluate if keeping them intact maximizes your chances of beating the dealer’s hands.
Conservative Play:
Avoid overly aggressive moves. Pai Gow Poker is often a game of endurance, not rapid wins.
Pai Gow Poker Tips
1. Avoid Insurance Bets:
Just like in Blackjack, insurance bets in Pai Gow Poker are typically not in your favor. They tend to reduce the overall odds of winning.
2. Splitting Strategy:
Pairs: Avoid splitting pairs in your low hand unless you have a very strong high hand.
Four of a Kind: Keep four of a kind, sixes or lower, together. For higher values, consider splitting them.
3. The Low Hand:
The lowest pair should be played in the low hand, but be mindful of not weakening your high hand too much.
4. Doubling Down:
Do not double down on any pair except jacks or better. This increases your chances of winning with a strong hand.
5. Bankroll Management:
As Pai Gow Poker games can last a long time, manage your bankroll wisely. Avoid betting too much on a single hand.
6. Learning from Experience:
Practice makes perfect. Consider playing Pai Gow Poker online in demo mode to get a feel for the game before playing with real money.
7. House Way:
Familiarize yourself with the "house way" rules. This is how the dealer arranges their hand. Understanding this can give insights into how to arrange your hand effectively.
Conclusion
After reading this article, you should understand what Pai Gow Poker is and how it is played. The game can be fun for experienced players and those new to the world of gambling. If you're looking for something different from traditional poker games, give Pai Gow Poker a try!
