Pai Gow Poker is a unique casino game that combines elements of traditional poker with the ancient Chinese tile game Pai Gow. The hybrid game first appeared in U.S. casinos in the 1980s and has grown into a popular option both online and in brick-and-mortar establishments.
While the name suggests the game is a variant of poker, Pai Gow Poker more closely resembles blackjack in terms of competing against the dealer to make the best hand. The poker element comes into play with hand rankings and the requirement to arrange seven cards into a five-card hand and a two-card hand.
Below you’ll find everything you need to know to get started playing Pai Gow Poker at online casinos, such as RocketPlay and others, including rules, strategy tips, best practices, and where to find good Pai Gow Poker sites.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker uses a standard 52-card deck plus one joker as a wild card. The game is played on a table with space for up to six players plus the dealer. Play moves clockwise around the table starting with the player to the dealer’s left.
Here are the basic rules and objective of the game:
- The goal is to make a five-card hand and a two-card hand that both beat the dealer’s respective hands.
- Players place an initial wager to start each round. Side bets are optionally available.
- Each player receives seven cards which must be split into one five-card hand and one two-card hand.
- The five-card hand must rank higher than the two-card hand based on standard poker hand rankings.
- The dealer then reveals their seven cards and arranges them into two hands as well.
- To win, both of the player’s hands must beat the dealer’s hands. The player wins their original wager minus a 5% commission.
- If one hand wins and one loses, it’s a push (tie) and the original wager is returned. If both hands lose, the player loses their wager.
There are a few other special rules to note:
- When splitting the seven cards, straights, flushes and pairs only count in the five-card hand – the two-card hand is ranked only by its highest card.
- If a player is dealt seven cards that can’t be split by ranking (for example 7-high straight with no pairs), the hand is determined by casino rules, usually resulting in a loss.
Understanding the hand rankings properly is key to arranging your cards correctly in Pai Gow Poker. Take your time splitting the hands on each round to optimize your chances of beating the dealer.
Pai Gow Poker Strategy and Tips
While Pai Gow Poker involves some luck in being dealt quality starting hands, there is still an optimal strategy to arranging your hands and betting properly. Follow these tips to improve your performance and enjoyment of the game:
Split Your Cards Carefully
Take your time analyzing the seven cards you are dealt each round. Making mistakes splitting the cards into high and low hands is where novice Pai Gow Poker players struggle most. Understand the relative hand rankings and how to play tricky combinations like small straights, low pairs and ace-high hands. When in doubt, use the house way chart most casinos provide.
Play Proper Bankroll Management
Don’t chase losses by dramatically increasing your wagers after a few bad beats. Have a set gambling budget for Pai Gow Poker and stick to betting 1-2% of your total bankroll per round. This allows you to endure normal variance without going broke.
Consider the Optional Bonus Bets
Most Pai Gow Poker games offer lucrative side bets that can pay up to 2,500:1 if you hit a seven-card straight flush. While these bets have a higher house edge, hitting one can provide a nice boost to your total winnings. Just bet smaller on the side bets than your main wager.
Practice Online for Free First
Playing free Pai Gow Poker online is a no-risk way to learn proper strategy. Try arranging sample hands into high and low combinations until you feel confident. Once experienced, you can transition to playing low-stakes real money Pai Gow Poker online.
Using the above tips, even casual casino gamers can hold their own playing Pai Gow Poker. It’s one of the most social table games that is fun, relaxing and entertaining for hours on end.
Where to Play Pai Gow Poker Online
If you’re ready to transition from playing free Pai Gow Poker to wagering real money online, you’ll want to find a trustworthy and secure internet https://www.freeslots99.com/blog/how-to-play-wheel-of-fortune-slot-machine/. Trusted online casinos for Pai Gow Poker feature:
- Fast payouts
- Wide range of staking options
- Licensed and regulated for fairness
- Lucrative new player bonuses
When selecting a Pai Gow Poker casino online, make sure to do your homework researching factors like years in business, ownership operators, and player complaints/reviews. Choosing a reputable site means you can play Pai Gow worry-free while taking advantage of perks like generous welcome bonuses and ongoing player rewards.
Most top online casinos feature intuitive and realistic Pai Gow Poker games playable directly in desktop and mobile browsers. This allows easy access on the go from iOS and Android smartphones and tablets. Simply log-in to pick up where your last session ended no matter what device you play on.
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