21. 04. 2025
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Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker Rules & Strategy: Learn to Play Like a Pro
If you've spent any time browsing online casinos, you've probably seen Pai Gow Poker listed among the games — and maybe you've even been curious to try it. This unique poker variant combines the strategy of traditional poker with a laid-back pace and a fun twist: players set two separate hands instead of one.
In this guide, we’ll explain how Pai Gow Poker works, how to arrange your hands, and share essential tips for increasing your chances of winning. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your gameplay, you're in the right place.
The Origins of Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker has its roots in the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow, played with 32 domino tiles. While the original game dates back to the Song Dynasty, the poker version was born in the 1980s when American casino executives Sam Torosian and Fred Wolf created a card-based adaptation to appeal to Western players.
By replacing tiles with playing cards and simplifying the rules, Pai Gow Poker was born — and it quickly became a casino favorite for players looking for something more strategic than pure chance games.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker
Also known as “double-hand poker,” Pai Gow Poker uses a 52-card deck plus a joker — 53 cards in total. Up to six players can play against the dealer (or banker), who isn't always the casino — sometimes, it’s another player.
Here’s how a typical game flows:
Game Setup & Dealing
- - The dealer deals seven cards to each player, all face-down.
- - Four leftover cards go into the muck (discard pile).
- - Each player (and the dealer) arranges their seven cards into two hands: A five-card "high hand" and A two-card "low hand"
- - The five-card hand must rank higher than the two-card hand.
Winning Conditions
To win, both of your hands must beat the banker’s corresponding hands. If only one of your hands wins, it's a push (tie). If both lose or if one is a “copy” (identical to the dealer’s), the dealer wins.
Summary of Outcomes:
- - Win: Both hands beat the dealer.
- - Draw: One hand wins, the other loses.
- - Loss: Both hands lose or tie.
Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings
Pai Gow Poker mostly follows standard poker rankings with a few twists. The joker plays a unique role:
It can act as an Ace, or Complete a flush, straight, straight flush, or royal flush.
Pai Gow Poker hand hierarchy:
- 1. Five Aces (four Aces + Joker)
- 2. Royal Flush
- 3. Straight Flush
- 4. Four of a Kind
- 5. Full House
- 6. Flush
- 7. Straight
- 8. Three of a Kind
- 9. Two Pairs
- 10. One Pair
- 11. High Card
Common Strategies for Success
Playing Pai Gow Poker well means understanding hand arrangement and using the joker wisely. Here are a few tactical tips:
- 1. Don’t create foul hands: Your high hand must always outrank your low hand.
- 2. Split four of a kind if they’re Jacks or higher.
- 3. With three of a kind, keep them together unless they’re Aces (in which case you might split them).
- 4. Always consult the House Way when unsure — it’s how the dealer arranges their hand and a great reference for beginners.
Quick Tips for Better Play:
- - Learn the hand rankings inside and out.
- - Understand the difference between poker and Pai Gow hands.
- - Use the joker strategically.
- - Stick to the House Way until you’re confident in your own play style.
Progressive Side Bets and Payouts
Some versions of Pai Gow Poker offer “Fortune Bets” — optional side bets based on your best possible seven-card hand. These come with fixed or progressive jackpots and can yield major rewards if you hit a high-ranking combo.
Odds and House Edge
Pai Gow Poker is one of the most player-friendly casino games:
- - House edge: Typically around 2.5%.
- - Many hands end in a push, making your bankroll last longer.
This makes it ideal for those looking for a slower-paced game with lots of interaction and low risk.
Try the Best Online Casinos for Pai Gow Poker
If you're ready to test your Pai Gow skills or just want to explore new games, we've got you covered. We recommend trying our trusted online casinos — safe, fair, and packed with generous bonuses.
Top Casinos for Real Money Pai Gow:
🎲 1Win – Great selection of poker games
🎲 Winshark – Exclusive bonuses for new players
🎲 KingMaker – Competitive tournaments
🎲 Ritzo – Fast payouts and secure play
🎲 22bet – Live poker experience
Bold players deserve bold wins. Don’t miss out on secure gameplay, quick payouts, and huge bonuses!
Learn Pai Gow, Then Master It
Whether you’re a poker enthusiast or just looking for a unique casino game to spice up your sessions, Pai Gow Poker is a perfect mix of chance and skill. Start with the basics, use the House Way, and sharpen your strategic edge as you go. Once you get the hang of it, Pai Gow becomes both rewarding and seriously addictive.
