Table of Contents
Pai Gow Poker, also called Double Hand Poker, is an exciting card game that blends factors of traditional poker with the Chinese language recreation Pai Gow. It is becoming increasingly popular in online casinos and live gaming rooms. In this guide, you’ll analyze the rules, gameplay, and fine techniques to enhance your possibilities of prevailing.
Advertisement
Objectives of Pai Gow Poker
Each player is dealt seven cards and must split them into two hands:
High Hand (Big Hand): A five-card hand, following standard poker rankings.
Low Hand (Small Hand): A two-card hand, which should be weaker than the high hand.
To win, both of your hands must be stronger than the dealer’s corresponding hands. If you win one hand and lose the other, the round is a push (tie), and you keep your bet. If both hands lose, you lose the round.
History of Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker originated in the 1980s in the United States as a modern version of the traditional Chinese Pai Gow game. The game quickly became popular due to its slower pace and lower house edge, making it appealing for both new and experienced players.
It is played with a 52-card deck and one Joker. The Joker can be used as an Ace or to complete a straight or flush.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker
- Setting Bets: Each participant makes a wager before the playing cards are dealt.
- Dealing playing cards: The provider offers every player seven cards face down.
- Putting fingers: gamers arrange their cards right into an excessive hand (5 playing cards) and a low hand (2 cards). The excessive hand needs to be more potent than the low hand.
- Dealer’s Hand: The provider arranges their playing cards following the house manner (preset policies used by casinos).
- Evaluating fingers: The participant’s arms are in comparison with the provider’s fingers.
- Win both arms. You win the wager.
- Win one, lose one. It’s a push, and also you keep your cash.
- Lose each palm: You lose your wager.
If your two hands are exactly the same as the dealer’s (a copy), the dealer wins.
Rules of Pai Gow Poker
- The high hand must always be stronger than the low hand.
- If both of your hands beat the dealer’s hands, you win.
- If one hand wins and one hand loses, the bet is a push.
- If both hands lose, you lose your bet.
- Players can act as the banker in some casino versions, which gives them an advantage but also requires a bigger bankroll.
The Role of the Joker
The Joker is a wild card that can be used in two ways:
- It acts as an Ace if it does not complete a flush or straight.
- It helps complete a straight, flush, or straight flush when possible.
If a player has a weak hand (like Q-10-8-6-4-3-2), this is called a pai gow – meaning no winning combinations.
Popular Variations of Pai Gow Poker
1. Commission-Free Pai Gow Poker
- Players don’t have to pay a commission on winnings.
- If a player has a copy hand (ties the dealer on both hands), the dealer wins.
2. Progressive Pai Gow Poker
- Offers a side bet that contributes to a growing jackpot.
- Rare hands, like a seven-card straight flush, can win huge payouts.
3. Fortune Pai Gow Poker
Includes a bonus bet that pays based on poker hand rankings, regardless of whether the player wins or loses.
4. Emperor’s Challenge Pai Gow Poker
Offers an additional side bet on achieving a seven-card straight flush for high payouts.
5. High Hand/No Push Pai Gow Poker
If the high hand ties with the dealer, it is considered a loss instead of a push.
Side Bets in Pai Gow Poker
Side bets add extra excitement to the game and allow players to win bigger payouts.
Common Side Bets:
Flush Bet: Pays if your five-card hand is a flush.
Straight Bet: Pays if your hand forms a straight.
Pair Bet: Pays if you have at least one pair.
Progressive Jackpot Bet: Contributes to a jackpot, which can be won with rare hands.
Popular Side Bet Variations:
- Fortune Pai Gow: Players bet on Three-of-a-Kind or better.
- Pai Gow Mania: Allows two side bets per round.
- Emperor’s Challenge: Bets on achieving a pai gow (no pairs).
- Envy Bonus: Players bet on other players’ hands, winning if another player hits a rare hand.
Also Read: Your One-Stop Guide To Two Point Museum: Release Details And More
