How to Play Pai Gow Poker at the Casino
If you are looking for a slow-paced, highly strategic game with a low house edge, Pai Gow Poker is the perfect choice.
It is the ideal game for players who want to sit, enjoy free drinks, and play for hours without risking massive losses.
Understanding the Deal and the Rules
The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus one single Joker which acts as a semi-wild card.
Your objective is to separate your seven cards into two distinct hands: a five-card ‘high’ hand and a two-card ‘low’ hand.
- The dealer must set their hand according to a strict set of casino rules called the ‘House Way’
- If you are confused, you can always ask the dealer to set your hand according to the House Way for you
- Because tying is so common, the casino takes a 5% commission on all winning bets to maintain their house edge
Basic Strategy for Setting Your Cards
Because you need to win both hands to make a profit, you cannot just stack all your best cards in the five-card hand.
If you are dealt two pairs, the general rule is to split them, putting the smaller pair in your two-card hand.
| Dealt Cards | Optimal Setting Strategy | Reasoning |
|---|---|---|
| Three of a Kind (Aces) | Pair of Aces | Single Ace (Highest possible low hand) |
| Straight with no pair | The Straight | The two remaining highest cards |
By learning how to balance your high and low hands perfectly, you can enjoy one of the best table games in the casino.