Pai Gow Poker is a popular casino table game that originated in China. It is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker, and up to six players can participate in each game. The objective of Pai Gow Poker is to create two separate poker hands, one of five cards and one of two cards, that are stronger than the dealer’s hands.
Did you know Pai Gow Poker is a favorite at CasinoChan? Despite its simple rules, Pai Gow Poker can be a challenging game to master. However, with some strategic thinking and a little bit of luck, you can beat the house and come out on top. We’ll give you some tips on how to improve your chances of winning at Pai Gow Poker.
Understanding the Rules of Pai Gow Poker
Before we dive into strategies, let’s first review the basic rules of Pai Gow Poker. Each player receives seven cards, which they must divide into two separate hands: a five-card hand and a two-card hand. The five-card hand is called the “high” hand, and the two-card hand is called the “low” hand.
The high hand must be stronger than the low hand. If a player’s hands are stronger than the dealer’s hands, they win the round. If the dealer’s hands are stronger, the player loses. In the case of a tie, the dealer wins.
One important thing to note is that the joker can be used to complete a flush or a straight, but it is always considered an ace if it cannot be used to complete a flush or a straight.
Pai Gow Poker Strategy
Now that you have a basic understanding of the rules of Pai Gow Poker, let’s look at some strategies that can help you beat the house.
- Divide Your Cards Wisely
The first step in Pai Gow Poker strategy is to divide your cards wisely. Your five-card hand should always be stronger than your two-card hand. One common mistake that players make is to put their second strongest card in the low hand. Instead, put your strongest card in the low hand to increase your chances of winning both hands.
- Pay Attention to the House Way
The “house way” is the set of rules that the dealer follows when dividing their cards. You should pay attention to the house way and try to follow it as closely as possible. This will give you a better chance of winning both hands, as the house way is designed to create the strongest possible hands.
- Play with a Strategy Chart
Another helpful tool for Pai Gow Poker is a strategy chart. This chart tells you how to divide your cards based on the strength of your hand. You can find these charts online, and they are a great way to help you make decisions quickly and accurately.
- Manage Your Bankroll
Like any casino game, Pai Gow Poker requires good bankroll management. Set a budget for yourself before you start playing, and stick to it. Don’t chase losses or try to win back money you’ve lost. This will only lead to bigger losses in the long run.
- Take Advantage of Bonuses
Finally, take advantage of any bonuses or promotions that are available to you. Many casinos offer bonuses for Pai Gow Poker, such as a bonus payout for hitting a certain hand. Be sure to read the rules and conditions of any bonus offers before you start playing.