How To Play Pai Gow Poker

If you wander through the table games section of any major casino, you will eventually discover the slow, methodical game of Pai Gow Poker.


Because the game frequently results in a "push" (a tie), the variance is incredibly low, making it difficult to lose money quickly.

The Basics: Building Two Separate Hands

The game uses a standard 52-card deck, plus one single joker, which acts as a versatile wild card under specific conditions.


If you place a pair of Aces in your two-card hand, but only have King-high in your five-card hand, you automatically forfeit the round.

You must win both the High and Low hands against the dealer to win your betIf you win one hand and lose the other, the entire round is a "push" (tie)If you lose both hands to the dealer, the casino takes your entire wager
Understanding the House Way Strategy

This rigidly defined set of rules is universally known across the industry as the "House Way."


The dealer will happily arrange your hand exactly according to the mathematical guidelines of the House Way.

The Most Relaxing Game in the Casino

Because analyzing and setting seven cards takes time, the dealer deals significantly fewer hands per hour compared to blackjack.


It is essentially the ultimate "hangout" game on the casino floor, requiring very little mental energy once you understand the basic mechanics.

Hand ComparisonOutcome for PlayerFinancial ResultWin High, Win LowVictoryPayout 1:1 (Minus 5% Commission)Win High, Lose LowPushOriginal Bet Returned

Pai Gow Poker beautifully combines the intricate hand rankings of traditional poker with a forgiving, highly social casino structure.