Pai Gow Poker is a fascinating blend of ancient Chinese dominoes and American poker, creating one of the slowest and lowest-volatility casino games available. With frequent pushes, strategic decision-making, and a relaxed pace, Pai Gow Poker offers hours of entertainment on a modest bankroll. This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about playing Pai Gow Poker, from basic rules to optimal hand-setting strategy.
What Is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is a casino table game that adapts the Chinese domino game Pai Gow into a poker variant. Players receive seven cards and must create two separate poker hands: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The five-card hand must rank higher than the two-card hand. You win if both your hands beat both of the dealer’s hands; if you win one and lose one, the result is a push.
The appeal of Pai Gow Poker lies in its gentle pace and low volatility. With push rates around 40%, your bankroll lasts significantly longer than at faster-paced games. The strategic element of setting your hands adds depth whilst the house edge remains reasonable at approximately 2.8% with optimal play.
Understanding the Pai Gow Poker Deck
Pai Gow Poker uses a standard 52-card deck plus one joker, totalling 53 cards. The joker is semi-wild:
In the Five-Card Hand: The joker can complete straights, flushes, and straight flushes. If it can’t complete any of these hands, it becomes an Ace.
In the Two-Card Hand: The joker always acts as an Ace.
Examples:
- With K-Q-J-10-Joker, the joker completes an Ace-high straight
- With A-K-Q-8-Joker of hearts, the joker completes an Ace-high flush
- With K-K-8-7-Joker, the joker becomes an Ace for a pair of Kings with Ace kicker
- In the two-card hand, Joker-King becomes Ace-King
Hand Rankings in Pai Gow Poker
Five-Card Hand Rankings
Pai Gow Poker uses standard poker hand rankings for the five-card hand:
Five Aces: A-A-A-A-Joker. The highest possible hand.
Royal Flush: A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit.
Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
Full House: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another.
Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
Straight: Five consecutive cards of mixed suits. The wheel (A-2-3-4-5) is the lowest straight.
Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
Two Pair: Two cards of one rank and two cards of another.
One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
High Card: When you have none of the above, your hand’s value is determined by the highest card.
Two-Card Hand Rankings
The two-card hand is much simpler:
Pair: Two cards of the same rank. Higher pairs beat lower pairs.
High Card: If no pair, the highest card determines the hand’s value. Ace is highest, followed by King, Queen, etc.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker
Step-by-Step Gameplay
Place Your Bet: Before cards are dealt, place your wager in the betting circle.
Receive Seven Cards: The dealer distributes seven cards face down to each player and themselves. Some casinos use dice or button systems to determine who receives cards first.
Set Your Hands: Arrange your seven cards into a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. Critical rule: your five-card hand must rank higher than your two-card hand.
Dealer Sets Their Hand: The dealer arranges their seven cards according to “house way” rules—predetermined guidelines for setting hands.
Compare Hands: Both of your hands are compared to both of the dealer’s hands.
Determine Outcome:
- Win: Both your hands beat both dealer hands. You win even money minus 5% commission.
- Lose: Both dealer hands beat both your hands. You lose your bet.
- Push: You win one hand and lose the other. Your bet is returned.
- Copy Hand: If any hand exactly matches the dealer’s (same rank and cards), the dealer wins that hand.
Commission: Winning bets pay even money, but the house charges a 5% commission on winnings. A £100 winning bet pays £95 (£100 minus £5 commission).
Banking Option
In some casinos, players can choose to bank the game, acting as the house and playing against other players and the dealer. Banking offers mathematical advantages but requires substantial bankroll and understanding of house way rules. Most recreational players never bank.
Setting Your Hands: The Basics
The most crucial skill in Pai Gow Poker is setting your hands optimally. Poor hand-setting dramatically increases the house edge.
General Principles
Maximize Your Five-Card Hand: Generally, you want your best possible five-card hand whilst keeping your two-card hand valid.
Balance Is Key: Sometimes you’ll need to weaken your five-card hand to strengthen your two-card hand, creating two competitive hands rather than one very strong hand and one very weak hand.
The Two-Card Hand Must Be Weaker: Never create a situation where your two-card hand ranks higher than your five-card hand. If you do, it’s a “foul” and you automatically lose.
Basic Hand-Setting Guidelines
No Pair: Put your highest card in the five-card hand and your next two highest cards in the two-card hand.
One Pair: Keep the pair in your five-card hand and put your two highest remaining cards in your two-card hand.
Two Pair: This requires strategy:
- Low pairs (2s through 6s) together: Keep both pairs in five-card hand if possible
- One high pair, one low pair: Usually split them—one pair in each hand
- Two high pairs: Often split them for balanced hands
- Specific rules depend on the ranks and your remaining cards
Three Pair: Put the highest pair in your two-card hand and the other two pairs in your five-card hand.
Three of a Kind: Generally keep trips in your five-card hand unless you have Aces—then consider putting a pair of Aces in the two-card hand if it’s otherwise weak.
Two Three-of-a-Kinds: Put the lower trips in your five-card hand and a pair from the higher trips in your two-card hand.
Straights and Flushes: Keep these in your five-card hand unless you can make a strong two-card hand (like a pair) by breaking them. The decision depends on the alternative.
Full House: Usually split it—three of a kind in five-card hand, pair in two-card hand—unless your two-card hand is otherwise very strong.
Four of a Kind: Strategy depends on the rank:
- 2s through 6s: Keep all four together
- 7s through 10s: Split if your two-card hand is weak (Jack or lower)
- Jacks through Kings: Usually split unless you have a strong two-card hand (Ace or better)
- Aces: Always split (pair of Aces in two-card hand, pair in five-card hand)
Five Aces (with Joker): Split into three Aces in five-card hand and pair of Aces in two-card hand unless you also have a pair of Kings—then keep all five Aces together.
The House Way
Most casinos use standardized “house way” rules for dealers to set their hands. You can request that dealers set your hand “house way” if you’re uncertain. Whilst not perfectly optimal, house way is close to optimal and much better than random decisions.
Simplified House Way Rules
No Pair: Highest card in five-card hand.
One Pair: Pair in five-card hand, highest remaining cards in two-card hand.
Two Pair:
- Always split with pair of Aces and any other pair
- Split with pair of Kings and another pair (except if holding Ace)
- Split with pair of Queens and another pair 7s or higher (unless Ace)
- Split with pair of 6s and 7s or higher
- Otherwise keep both pairs together
Three Pair: Highest pair in two-card hand.
Three of a Kind: Keep together except split Aces if no other pair available.
Straights/Flushes: Play highest possible hand in five-card unless two-card hand would be weaker than 5-high—then break straight/flush to strengthen two-card hand.
Full House: Split unless pair of 2s and you have Ace-King for two-card hand.
Four of a Kind (FOAK):
- 2s-6s: Keep together
- 7s-10s: Split unless Ace in two-card hand
- J-K: Split unless King or better in two-card hand
- Aces: Split unless pair for two-card hand
Five Aces: Split unless pair of Kings available for two-card hand.
Different casinos have slightly varying house way rules. Ask your dealer or check posted rules.
Pai Gow Poker Strategy Tips
Learn Basic Hand Setting
Understanding how to set common hands optimally is essential. Start with house way and gradually learn refinements.
Focus on Two-Pair Situations
Two-pair hands occur frequently and offer the most strategic complexity. Learning when to split or keep pairs together significantly impacts results.
Don’t Foul Your Hand
Always ensure your five-card hand ranks higher than your two-card hand. Fouling hands costs you bets.
Consider Dealer’s Exposed Card
Some casinos show one dealer card before you set your hand. Use this information to inform borderline decisions, though its impact is minimal.
Take Your Time
Pai Gow Poker isn’t rushed. Take time to consider your options and set hands carefully.
Ask for Help
Dealers can set your hand “house way” upon request. This is perfectly acceptable, especially when learning.
Practice Online
Many online casinos offer free Pai Gow Poker. Practice setting hands without risking money.
Bankroll Management for Pai Gow Poker
Determine Your Session Bankroll
Pai Gow Poker’s high push rate means bankroll requirements are lower than most games. A reasonable guideline is 40-50 times your bet amount for a session.
Example: With a £10 bet, a £400-£500 bankroll provides adequate cushion.
Understand the Slow Pace
Pai Gow Poker plays fewer hands per hour than blackjack or Three Card Poker. Your bankroll lasts longer per hour of entertainment.
Factor in the Commission
Remember that wins pay £0.95 per pound bet (after 5% commission). Calculate your potential profits accordingly.
Set Loss Limits
Despite low volatility, losing streaks occur. Establish a loss limit and stick to it.
Take Advantage of Comps
Pai Gow Poker’s slow pace and reasonable house edge make it excellent for accumulating comp points. Always use player’s cards.
Common Pai Gow Poker Mistakes
Setting Hands Incorrectly
Poor hand-setting is the costliest mistake. Learn proper technique or ask dealers to set your hand house way.
Fouling Hands
Accidentally creating a two-card hand stronger than your five-card hand automatically loses your bet.
Splitting Low Two Pairs
Keeping both low pairs together in your five-card hand is often correct, creating a stronger five-card hand.
Not Splitting Aces
When you have four Aces (or five with the Joker), splitting them almost always creates stronger overall hands.
Playing Too Fast
Taking time to consider your options doesn’t slow the game significantly. Avoid hasty decisions.
Not Understanding the Joker
Remember the joker’s limitations—it only completes straights, flushes, and straight flushes, otherwise becoming an Ace.
Ignoring Bankroll Management
Even with low volatility, Pai Gow Poker can produce losing sessions. Manage your bankroll appropriately.
Pai Gow Poker Variations
Fortune Pai Gow Poker
The most popular variant, adding an Envy Bonus side bet that pays when other players at the table make premium hands. The Fortune bet pays based on your seven-card hand before splitting.
Typical Fortune Paytable:
- Seven-Card Straight Flush (natural, no joker): 8,000:1
- Royal Flush plus Royal Match: 2,000:1
- Seven-Card Straight Flush (with joker): 1,000:1
- Five Aces: 400:1
- Royal Flush: 150:1
- Straight Flush: 50:1
- Four of a Kind: 25:1
- Full House: 5:1
- Flush: 4:1
- Three of a Kind: 3:1
- Straight: 2:1
Envy Bonus: Pays when other players at the table make four of a kind or better. You must have placed the Fortune bet to be eligible.
House Edge: Varies by paytable, typically 7-8%—significantly higher than the base game.
Progressive Pai Gow Poker
Features progressive jackpots for premium seven-card hands. Requires an additional side bet (usually £1) to participate.
House Edge: Very high on the progressive bet unless the jackpot is exceptionally large.
Emperor’s Challenge
A side bet that pays for pai gow hands (no pair) with specific card combinations. Generally carries a high house edge.
Dynasty Bonus
Another side bet variation paying for premium hands. Like most side bets, the house edge is substantial.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Pai Gow Poker
Advantages
- Low Volatility: Frequent pushes preserve bankroll
- Slow Pace: More entertainment per pound wagered
- Strategic Depth: Hand-setting decisions add skill element
- Social Atmosphere: Relaxed, friendly table environment
- Good for Comps: Extended playtime generates substantial player points
- Can Request Help: Dealers will set your hand house way
- Low House Edge: Approximately 2.8% with proper strategy
Disadvantages
- Commission on Wins: 5% commission reduces payouts
- Complex for Beginners: Hand-setting takes practice
- Slow Action: Not exciting for players seeking fast-paced gambling
- Difficult to Win Big: Pushes and even-money payouts limit profit potential
- Banking Is Complex: Taking advantage of banking requires expertise and bankroll
- Side Bets Are Poor Value: Fortune and other variants carry high house edges
Pai Gow Poker Etiquette
General Table Manners
- Don’t touch your cards until all players and the dealer have received theirs
- Keep cards above the table and in view
- Set your hands carefully without delaying the game excessively
- Place your two-card hand above your five-card hand (closer to dealer)
- Don’t touch your cards once you’ve set them and placed them face down
- Tip dealers occasionally, especially after winning hands
- Be respectful to dealers and fellow players
- Ask questions if unsure—Pai Gow Poker dealers expect this
Banking Etiquette
If you choose to bank:
- Ensure you have adequate chips to cover all players’ potential wins
- Follow house way rules precisely
- Be prepared for increased responsibility and attention
- Understand you’re competing against both dealer and players
Tips for Playing Pai Gow Poker
Start with House Way
When learning, always request house way setting. This removes strategy concerns whilst you’re learning the game.
Gradually Learn Refinements
Once comfortable with house way, start learning optimal adjustments for two-pair situations and other frequent decisions.
Watch Experienced Players
Observe how skilled players set their hands. Learn from their decisions.
Practice Online Free
Use free online Pai Gow Poker to practice hand-setting without financial risk.
Avoid Side Bets Initially
Focus on the base game until you’re comfortable with hand-setting strategy.
Take Breaks
Pai Gow Poker sessions can last for hours. Take regular breaks to maintain focus.
Track Your Results
Note wins, losses, and pushes over sessions to understand variance and evaluate your play.
Join Player’s Clubs
Pai Gow Poker is excellent for comp points due to extended playtime and reasonable house edge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the house edge in Pai Gow Poker? Approximately 2.8% when playing as a player with optimal hand-setting strategy. Banking reduces this significantly but requires substantial bankroll.
Why are there so many pushes? The two-hand structure means you must beat the dealer twice. Push rates around 40% are normal and intentional, creating the game’s low volatility.
Should I ever bank the game? If you have the bankroll and understand house way perfectly, banking offers mathematical advantages. Most recreational players shouldn’t bank.
What does the 5% commission mean? When you win, the casino keeps 5% of your winnings. A £100 bet wins £95 (£100 profit minus £5 commission).
How should I split two pairs? It depends on the ranks. Generally split high pairs or when one pair is much stronger than the other. Keep low pairs together.
Can I use the joker as any card? No. The joker only completes straights, flushes, and straight flushes. Otherwise, it becomes an Ace.
Are Fortune side bets worth it? The house edge on Fortune bets (7-8%) is significantly higher than the base game. Play them only for entertainment, not value.
How long can I play with my bankroll? Much longer than blackjack or roulette due to the high push rate. Expect 40-60 hands per hour with frequent pushes.
Conclusion
Pai Gow Poker offers a unique casino experience combining strategic decision-making with low volatility and a relaxed pace. The challenge of setting your seven cards into two optimal hands adds depth that purely chance-based games lack, whilst the frequent pushes allow modest bankrolls to enjoy extended playing sessions.
Success at Pai Gow Poker requires learning proper hand-setting technique. Start by requesting house way from dealers, gradually incorporating optimal strategies for two-pair situations and other common decisions. The 5% commission on wins and approximately 2.8% house edge are reasonable costs for the entertainment value provided.
Avoid the temptation of side bets like Fortune Pai Gow unless you’re playing purely for entertainment. These bets carry house edges multiple times higher than the base game and significantly increase volatility, contradicting Pai Gow Poker’s fundamental appeal of steady, low-variance play.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing, social casino experience or you enjoy the intellectual challenge of hand-setting decisions, Pai Gow Poker delivers. The game’s gentle pace, frequent pushes, and strategic depth make it perfect for players who prefer substance over speed and value entertainment hours over quick wins.
With proper strategy, responsible bankroll management, and realistic expectations, Pai Gow Poker provides one of the most enjoyable and sustainable casino experiences available. Take your time, set your hands carefully, and enjoy one of the most distinctive games on the casino floor. Good luck at the tables!