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 twist 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, exciting 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.
The Joker
In Pai Gow Poker, 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 the highest five-card hand in Pai Gow Poker.
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, the Bonus bet carries a high house edge, so consider it carefully.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker
- Place Your BetPlace a single bet within the limits. Optionally place a Bonus bet on premium hands.
- Receive Seven CardsYou and the banker are dealt seven cards each.
- Split Into Two HandsArrange into a five-card high (back) hand and two-card low (front) hand. The high hand must beat the low hand.
- Apply Joker RulesThe Joker acts as an Ace or to complete a Straight, Flush, Straight Flush, or Royal Flush.
- Compare to BankerCompare low to low and high to high. Both your hands better: win even money (minus commission). One better: push. Banker both better: lose. Ties favor banker.
- Banker RoleBanker can be house, player, or rotating. House takes 5% commission on wins.
Top Casinos to Play Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is widely available at online casinos powered by leading providers like Real Time Gaming.
While it may sound confusing, it's easy to get 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!