Walking through the table games section, you will often see players relaxed and chatting around the Pai Gow Poker table.
It is the ideal game for players who want to sit, enjoy free drinks, and play for hours without risking massive losses.
Understanding the Deal and the Rules
The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus one single Joker which acts as a semi-wild card.
The single most important rule of the game is that your five-card hand MUST be strictly higher in value than your two-card hand.
- 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
Basic Strategy for Setting Your Cards
The strategy in Pai Gow revolves entirely around making your two-card hand as strong as legally possible without fouling.
If you are dealt two pairs, the general rule is to split them, putting the smaller pair in your two-card hand.
| 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.