Pai Gow Poker: A Unique Twist on Traditional Poker
Are you bored of traditional poker? Maybe you're ready to branch out of your normal routine and play a game that has a little bit of a twist on it. If that's the case, consider playing Pai Gow Poker, which is a unique bite on a classic game. Scroll down to learn the ins and outs of Pai Gow Poker to become a champion today!
Where Does Pai Gow Poker Come From?
Pai Gow Poker is a fun, e citing game that merges the traditional Chinese game Pai Gow with American Poker. It is played using a standard deck of 52 cards plus one Joker, which can either be used as an Ace or to complete a Straight or Flush.
How To Play: The Basics
Your goal in Pai Gow Poker is simple: defeat the banker .But the banker may not be who you expect: it can be the dealer, another player at the table, or a player-dealer team. So, how do you defeat this elusive banker? You must make two poker hands with the seven cards that are dealt. In this game, you will have a five-card hand (called the back hand or big hand) and a two-card hand (called the front hand or small hand). Your high hand should have a higher value than your low hand. For instance, if your low hand is a pair of fives, your high hand should be stronger than a pair of fives.
The Joker
In Pai Gow, the joker is referred to as a "bug" and functions as an ace, except when it can be used to complete a straight or flush. This allows for the possibility of having five aces, which is considered the highest five-card hand in Pai Gow.
How to Bet in Pai Gow Poker
To begin playing Pai Gow poker, the player must place a single bet within the table's minimum and maximum betting limits. This bet will remain the only one for the entire hand. Some tables offer a Bonus bet on the likelihood of making a "premium" hand, typically three of a kind or better. The payout for the Bonus bet increases with the value of the premium hand, regardless of the outcome of the main bet. However, it is recommended to avoid placing a Bonus bet as the house edge is significantly high, and you're much more likely to drain money over time.
Who Wins?
To determine the winner in this game, each player compares their hand with the banker's. If both of the player's hands beat the banker's, then the player wins. However, if only one of the player's hands beats the banker's, it is considered a push or draw, and the player will get their money back. If the banker's hands beat the player's, then the player loses. In the event of a tie, the banker wins since it's one of the ways the house keeps its advantage. But if a player is banking, the house will take a commission from the winning hands and doesn't need an advantage. While it may sound confusing, it's easy to settle into a groove once you begin playing. Pull up a chair (or computer screen) at an in-person or digital casino to see why so many gamblers love playing Pai Gow Poker!