Pai Gow poker is a prevalent poker variant in online casinos, and since we have the biggest selection of sportsbook and casino, we know a lot about it. However, despite its popularity, this game can seem intimidating to start playing. However, don’t worry. Despite its complex appearance, it’s a relatively simple game, especially for players who already know the rules of other poker games. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to play Pai Gow. So, let’s start with a bit of history.
The Origin of Pai Gow
The game originated in China, inspired by the ancient Chinese game “Pai Gow” and classic US poker. Interestingly, the original version had Asian domino chips. In 1985, American businessman and owner of the Bell Card Club in Los Angeles, Sam Torosian, made some changes to it. Specifically, he created a version with cards to market it better in gaming establishments. Thus, Pai Gow Poker was born. An easy game to play and very popular today among casino games. And now that we know where this came from, let’s learn how the game works.
How to Play Pai Gow - The Basics
Unlike traditional poker, such as Texas Hold’em, the Pai Gow player starts the game with seven cards in their hand. In addition, the variant is designed to be played with six players at the table (plus the dealer). Played with 52 cards and a wild card, Pai Gow Poker has a similar dynamic to casino games where the player has to beat the dealer to win – like blackjack, one of the most famous card games. As soon as the game starts, the player is dealt seven cards down. From there, he has to form a five-card hand and a two-card hand – both of which are set up to beat the dealer.
You have to keep in mind that the five-card hand automatically has to be better than the two-card hand. The dealer works initially with seven cards face down. Just like the player, he has to make a five-card hand and a two-card hand. It’s a game of matching and comparing. If only one of your two hands beats the dealer, the round is a draw – also called a push. If there is an overall tie between all the cards presented, the dealer always wins. Usually, the betting takes place before the player receives the cards. Now, let’s talk about the hands.
The Hands
The value of the hands in Pai Gow Poker is practically the same as the value of the hands in other poker games, except for two differences. Five aces (four normal aces and one joker) are the highest possible combination. In addition, the second strongest sequence is also different from norm poker games: instead of 9TJQK, the second most valuable sequence is A2345.
Values of Pai Gow Poker hands:
- Five aces (AAAA + joker);
- Royal Flush (AKQJ10 of the same suit);
- Straight Flush;
- Four of a kind;
- Full House;
- Flush;
- Straight;
- Three of a Kind;
- Two pair;
- One pair;
- Highest card.
The joker
One of the biggest differences when it comes to playing Pai Gow poker is the existence of a joker. The Joker acts as a wild card, which can replace any other card to make a flush or a straight. However, in all other cases, the joker only functions as an ace. Next, let’s talk about a strategy.
Strategy to Play Pai Gow
It’s difficult to come up with a good Pai Gow strategy before you receive the cards. The best possible play always varies depending on the cards you are dealt. Therefore,the best strategy involves trying to make a strong high hand. If you manage to make a straight, for example, you shouldn’t use cards from that straight for your low hand. Focus on a strong high hand and use the remaining cards for the low hand. However, if you don’t have enough cards to make a good strong hand, then you should focus on the best low hand you can find. As the low hand consists of only two cards, your best chance will be a high pair.
Nevertheless, if you only have two pairs in your seven cards, you don’t necessarily have to use the highest pair in the low hand. If both pairs are relatively high (a pair of eights and a pair of nines, for example), you can use the pair of eights in the low hand and the pair of nines in the high hand. This is because it guarantees that you have a relatively high pair on the low hand and increases your chances of winning the high hand. It’s all a question of trying to play the cards you come up with as well as possible.
Now, you have all you need to play Pai Gow. The next step is opening an account at Game2Bet so you can win with the largest selection of casinos online. Good luck and good betting!
