Walking through the table games section, you will often see players relaxed and chatting around the Pai Gow Poker table.
The game is famous for its incredibly high number of ‘pushes’ (ties), meaning your bankroll will last a very long time.
How to Set Your Hands in Pai Gow
After placing your bet, the dealer distributes exactly seven cards to every player and to themselves.
The single most important rule of the game is that your five-card hand MUST be strictly higher in value than your two-card 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
The Smartest Way to Play Pai Gow
The strategy in Pai Gow revolves entirely around making your two-card hand as strong as legally possible without fouling.
When dealt a hand with no pairs (a ‘Pai Gow’), you put your highest card in the back and your next two highest in the front.
| Situation | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| You cannot figure out the best move | Ask dealer for the ‘House Way’ | Ensures you don’t make a mathematical error |
| Four of a Kind (Jacks or better) | Split into two pairs | Creates two incredibly strong hands |
By learning how to balance your high and low hands perfectly, you can enjoy one of the best table games in the casino.