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Pai Gow Poker: What Is It And How Does It Work?
Pai Gow Poker is a unique card game that combines elements of traditional poker with the structure of the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow. Instead of fast betting rounds and quick hands, Pai Gow Poker challenges players to think a few steps ahead as they set their cards into two separate hands.
In this 666Casino post, we’ll explain how the game works, what sets it apart, and why it might appeal to newcomers and seasoned players looking for something different.
What Is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is a card-based version of the traditional Chinese game Pai Gow, which was initially played with dominoes. Adapted in the United States in the 1980s to better suit Western players, it combines poker elements with the original game’s strategic nature.
Each player receives seven cards and must split them into two hands: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The goal is to set these hands in a way that may beat both of the dealer’s hands. While chance plays a role, there is also a strategic element in arranging the cards.
How Does Pai Gow Poker Work?
Pai Gow Poker begins with each player placing a bet within the limits set by the casino or online platform. These limits can vary, so it’s worth checking the specific table rules before playing.
The game is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. After shuffling, the dealer gives seven cards to each player and themselves. The goal is to divide your seven cards into two separate hands: a five-card hand (often called the high or back hand) and a two-card hand (known as the low or front hand).
Once players have set their hands, the dealer does the same. Both hands must rank higher than the dealer’s corresponding hands to win the round.
The five-card hand uses standard poker rankings, so familiar combinations such as flushes or full houses apply. The two-card hand focuses on forming the highest possible pair, with Aces being the strongest. The joker can help complete a straight or flush in the five-card hand or act as an Ace.
Pushes—where neither the player nor the dealer wins—are relatively common. If there is a tie in one or both hands, the dealer’s hand usually wins.
Pai Gow Poker Rules Explained
Having a clear understanding of the basic rules can help make Pai Gow Poker easier to follow. Below is a step-by-step overview of how the game is typically played:
Deck and Cards: Pai Gow Poker uses a standard 52-card deck along with one joker. The joker can be used as an ace or to complete a straight, flush, or straight flush in the five-card hand.
The Deal: Each player, including the dealer, is dealt seven cards. These are dealt with one at a time until each hand is complete.
Objective: The aim is to split your seven cards into two hands—a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The high hand must be ranked higher than the low hand for the setup to be valid.
High Hand: This hand follows the usual poker hand rankings, where combinations such as full houses and flushes apply. The strongest possible hand is a royal flush, while the weakest is a high card.
Low Hand: The low hand consists of two cards, with pairs being the best possible outcome. If no pair is present, the higher single card is considered.
Tie (Push): If one of your hands wins and the other loses, it’s considered a push, and your original stake is usually returned. If there’s a tie, the dealer’s hand generally wins.
These core rules provide the foundation for Pai Gow Poker. Remember that online or in-person versions of the game may have slight variations, so it’s always worth checking the specific rules for the platform or venue.
What Are The Odds and Payouts of Pai Gow Poker?
In Pai Gow Poker, understanding the odds and payouts allows players the opportunity to make more informed decisions when enjoying the game. Here’s a look at what prospective players might expect to encounter:
House Edge: The house edge in Pai Gow Poker is typically around 2.5%. It reflects the casino’s advantage over the players across various rounds of play.
Winning Both Hands: The main goal is to have both your hands beat the dealer’s hands. The payout for achieving this is usually 1:1, meaning you receive double your original stake.
Commission: Often, casinos take a 5% commission on winnings, effectively making the payout 95% of the expected return. This helps maintain their edge.
Push Outcomes: When one of your hands wins, and the other loses, the result is a push. Your initial bet is returned, and no money is gained or lost.
Potential for Ties: A tie occurs if both your hands and the dealer’s hands are the same. The dealer is declared the winner in these cases.
One unique feature of Pai Gow Poker is the inclusion of bonus payouts- these are not guaranteed across all venues and sites, so it may be a good idea to check this before engaging in any play.
Bonus payouts may be offered based on a player’s five-card “High Hand” strength. For example, hands such as a straight flush or four of a kind might qualify for a bonus, depending on the specific rules of the game you’re playing.
UK players should be aware that online versions may have different variations of odds and payouts. Checking the specific terms and conditions on different platforms can provide more precise guidance.
Do Online Casinos Have Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is gradually gaining interest among players in the UK, but it is not yet widely available across most online casino platforms. While the game has established a presence in some international markets, its availability in the UK remains limited as it grows in popularity.
That said, a few UK-licensed online casinos do offer Pai Gow Poker, sometimes in digital formats or as part of a live dealer experience. Availability can vary, and game variations—such as different rules or optional side bets—may also differ depending on the platform.
If you’re interested in exploring Pai Gow Poker online, it may be a good idea to start by checking whether the site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This ensures that the operator meets strict standards for fairness, player protection, and responsible gambling practices.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
Pai Gow Poker is a unique card game that combines elements of traditional poker with the structure of the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow. Instead of fast betting rounds and quick hands, Pai Gow Poker challenges players to think a few steps ahead as they set their cards into two separate hands.
In this 666Casino post, we’ll explain how the game works, what sets it apart, and why it might appeal to newcomers and seasoned players looking for something different.
What Is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is a card-based version of the traditional Chinese game Pai Gow, which was initially played with dominoes. Adapted in the United States in the 1980s to better suit Western players, it combines poker elements with the original game’s strategic nature.
Each player receives seven cards and must split them into two hands: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The goal is to set these hands in a way that may beat both of the dealer’s hands. While chance plays a role, there is also a strategic element in arranging the cards.
How Does Pai Gow Poker Work?
Pai Gow Poker begins with each player placing a bet within the limits set by the casino or online platform. These limits can vary, so it’s worth checking the specific table rules before playing.
The game is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. After shuffling, the dealer gives seven cards to each player and themselves. The goal is to divide your seven cards into two separate hands: a five-card hand (often called the high or back hand) and a two-card hand (known as the low or front hand).
Once players have set their hands, the dealer does the same. Both hands must rank higher than the dealer’s corresponding hands to win the round.
The five-card hand uses standard poker rankings, so familiar combinations such as flushes or full houses apply. The two-card hand focuses on forming the highest possible pair, with Aces being the strongest. The joker can help complete a straight or flush in the five-card hand or act as an Ace.
Pushes—where neither the player nor the dealer wins—are relatively common. If there is a tie in one or both hands, the dealer’s hand usually wins.
Pai Gow Poker Rules Explained
Having a clear understanding of the basic rules can help make Pai Gow Poker easier to follow. Below is a step-by-step overview of how the game is typically played:
Deck and Cards: Pai Gow Poker uses a standard 52-card deck along with one joker. The joker can be used as an ace or to complete a straight, flush, or straight flush in the five-card hand.
The Deal: Each player, including the dealer, is dealt seven cards. These are dealt with one at a time until each hand is complete.
Objective: The aim is to split your seven cards into two hands—a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The high hand must be ranked higher than the low hand for the setup to be valid.
High Hand: This hand follows the usual poker hand rankings, where combinations such as full houses and flushes apply. The strongest possible hand is a royal flush, while the weakest is a high card.
Low Hand: The low hand consists of two cards, with pairs being the best possible outcome. If no pair is present, the higher single card is considered.
Tie (Push): If one of your hands wins and the other loses, it’s considered a push, and your original stake is usually returned. If there’s a tie, the dealer’s hand generally wins.
These core rules provide the foundation for Pai Gow Poker. Remember that online or in-person versions of the game may have slight variations, so it’s always worth checking the specific rules for the platform or venue.
What Are The Odds and Payouts of Pai Gow Poker?
In Pai Gow Poker, understanding the odds and payouts allows players the opportunity to make more informed decisions when enjoying the game. Here’s a look at what prospective players might expect to encounter:
House Edge: The house edge in Pai Gow Poker is typically around 2.5%. It reflects the casino’s advantage over the players across various rounds of play.
Winning Both Hands: The main goal is to have both your hands beat the dealer’s hands. The payout for achieving this is usually 1:1, meaning you receive double your original stake.
Commission: Often, casinos take a 5% commission on winnings, effectively making the payout 95% of the expected return. This helps maintain their edge.
Push Outcomes: When one of your hands wins, and the other loses, the result is a push. Your initial bet is returned, and no money is gained or lost.
Potential for Ties: A tie occurs if both your hands and the dealer’s hands are the same. The dealer is declared the winner in these cases.
One unique feature of Pai Gow Poker is the inclusion of bonus payouts- these are not guaranteed across all venues and sites, so it may be a good idea to check this before engaging in any play.
Bonus payouts may be offered based on a player’s five-card “High Hand” strength. For example, hands such as a straight flush or four of a kind might qualify for a bonus, depending on the specific rules of the game you’re playing.
UK players should be aware that online versions may have different variations of odds and payouts. Checking the specific terms and conditions on different platforms can provide more precise guidance.
Do Online Casinos Have Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is gradually gaining interest among players in the UK, but it is not yet widely available across most online casino platforms. While the game has established a presence in some international markets, its availability in the UK remains limited as it grows in popularity.
That said, a few UK-licensed online casinos do offer Pai Gow Poker, sometimes in digital formats or as part of a live dealer experience. Availability can vary, and game variations—such as different rules or optional side bets—may also differ depending on the platform.
If you’re interested in exploring Pai Gow Poker online, it may be a good idea to start by checking whether the site is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This ensures that the operator meets strict standards for fairness, player protection, and responsible gambling practices.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
