Pai Gow Poker
There’s no doubt that Poker reigns as the absolute king of casino card games. Did you know there is a version based on a Chinese game played with dominoes? Pai Gow is easy to learn and offers the chance to win big payouts. Yet many players still don’t know about it. Hence, it’s time we provide a brief history and the rules of Pai Gow Poker, as well as tips and strategies for improving your chances of winning. Let’s begin!
History and Rules of Pai Gow Poker
The traditional game originated in China and was played with tiles. When it was introduced to the United States in the 1980s, it was adapted to use playing cards. Since then, it has become a popular casino game around the world.
Each player receives seven cards, which they must divide into two sets: one with five and another with two. The five-card hand must be higher than the two-card one, and both must beat the dealer’s corresponding sets to win the game.
Understanding Hand Rankings
This game uses a standard deck of 52 cards plus a joker, which can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or a flush. The hand rankings in this version are similar to traditional poker ones, with a few exceptions. Here they are, from highest to lowest:
- Five Aces: using the Joker as an ace in a five-card hand. The odds of getting this hand are 0.000732%
- Royal Flush: A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit. Chances are around 0.00154%
- Straight Flush: five cards of the same suit in sequence. The odds of a player getting this hand are approximately 0.0106%
- Four of a Kind. The odds are about 0.240%
- Full House: Three cards of one rank and two of another. Chances are 2.72%
- Flush: five cards of the same suit. The odds of getting one of these are 4.96%
- Straight: five cards in sequence. The chances are around 3.26%
- Three of a Kind. Players have a 23.5% chance of getting one
- Two Pair. The odds of getting one are 26.5%
- One Pair. The chances of getting this are 41.7%
- High Card: the highest card in your hand and the odds of it being successful are 29.9%
Tips for improving your chances of winning
Here are some tips and strategies for improving your chances of winning at Pai Gow Poker:
- Play the Joker wisely: The Joker is a valuable card, but it should be used strategically. If you have a pair, use the Joker to complete a three-of-a-kind in your five-card hand. Otherwise, use it in your two-card one to increase your chances of winning both hands.
- Split pairs correctly: If you have a pair, split it between your two hands unless you have a second pair to play in your five-card set. This increases your chances of winning at least one.
- Balance your hands: When dividing your cards into two, try to create them as strong as possible so they can beat the dealer’s two sets. Avoid splitting your cards into two weak sets or one very strong and one very weak hand.
- Pay attention to the dealer’s hand: The dealer’s hand follows a specific set of rules, so pay attention to their cards when dividing your own into two hands. This can help you make strategic decisions and increase your chances of winning.
Final advice on Pai Gow Poker
This is a game of strategy, so avoid playing too aggressively or relying solely on luck. Take your time and make strategic decisions. Furthermore, many casinos have a “house way” of arranging the dealer’s cards. This is the way the dealer is instructed to arrange their cards, and players should be aware of it so that they can make strategic decisions when dividing their own sets.
Another common mistake is not taking advantage of the bonus bets. Many online and land-based casinos offer bonus wagers that can pay out large sums of money for certain hand combinations. Players should be aware of this and consider placing them if they have a good chance of hitting the required hand combination.
Finally, like any casino game, this version of poker can be exciting and emotional. However, players should avoid making decisions based on their emotions and stick to a solid strategy. It’s important to stay calm and focused while playing, and not to get caught up in the excitement of the moment. Once all of this is clear, it’s time to find where to play Pai-Gow online and go after those big payouts!
