Walking through the table games section, you will often see players relaxed and chatting around the Pai Gow Poker table.
The game is famous for its incredibly high number of 'pushes' (ties), meaning your bankroll will last a very long time.
The Basic Rules of Pai Gow Poker
After placing your bet, the dealer distributes exactly seven cards to every player and to themselves.
You must arrange your cards into a five-card back hand and a two-card front hand, following traditional poker rankings.
- The dealer must set their hand according to a strict set of casino rules called the 'House Way'
- If you are confused, you can always ask the dealer to set your hand according to the House Way for you
- Because tying is so common, the casino takes a 5% commission on all winning bets to maintain their house edge
How to Optimize Your Pai Gow Hands
Because you need to win both hands to make a profit, you cannot just stack all your best cards in the five-card hand.
If you are dealt a full house, you should almost always split it: put the three-of-a-kind in the back and the pair in the front.
| Dealt Cards | Optimal Setting Strategy | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Three of a Kind (Aces) | Pair of Aces | Single Ace (Highest possible low hand) |
| Straight with no pair | The Straight | The two remaining highest cards |
By learning how to balance your high and low hands perfectly, you can enjoy one of the best table games in the casino.