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Pai Gow Poker

Wendy Poli | April 20, 2023 | Updated on: January 29th, 2025

Pai Gow Poker is an exciting poker variant that combines traditional poker with elements of the ancient Chinese game Pai Gow. Played against the dealer rather than other players, it’s a strategic yet relaxed game that offers plenty of opportunities to win.

Whether you’re new to Pai Gow Poker or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you master the rules, strategies, and key tactics to increase your chances of winning.

Understanding Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker is a casino-style poker game where each player competes against the dealer. The goal is to create two poker hands from seven cards:

  1. A five-card “high” hand (must be stronger than the low hand).
  2. A two-card “low” hand (weaker than the high hand).

To win, both of your hands must beat the dealer’s corresponding hands. If only one of your hands wins, it’s a push (tie), and you get your bet back. If both hands lose, the dealer wins the round.

This unique gameplay makes Pai Gow Poker a slower-paced game with lower risk, making it ideal for new players.

Basic Rules of Pai Gow Poker

Before jumping into Pai Gow Poker, it’s important to understand the key rules and gameplay structure.

1. Initial Deal

  • Each player and the dealer receive seven cards from a standard 52-card deck plus a joker (which acts as a limited wild card).
  • The cards are dealt face-down.

2. Hand Formation (Splitting Your Hand)

  • Players must arrange their seven cards into:
    • A five-card high hand (like a regular poker hand).
    • A two-card low hand (only pairs or high cards count).
  • The five-card hand must be stronger than the two-card hand.

3. Using the Joker

  • The joker can only be used as:
    • An Ace, or
    • A wild card to complete a straight or flush.

4. Showdown (Comparing Hands)

  • Your high hand is compared to the dealer’s high hand.
  • Your low hand is compared to the dealer’s low hand.
  • Winning both hands = you win the bet.
  • Winning one and losing one = push (tie).
  • Losing both = dealer wins.

Want to improve your poker skills? Check out our Poker Hands Guide to learn more about hand rankings.

Key Strategies for Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker is more about hand-setting strategy than bluffing or aggressive betting. Here are the best ways to increase your winning chances.

1. Balance Your Hands

Since your high hand must always be stronger than your low hand, knowing how to split your cards is crucial. A well-balanced hand gives you the best chance of winning both hands, rather than just one.

2. Use Pairs Wisely

When dealt a pair, you have a choice:

  • If you have one pair, keep it in the high hand.
  • If you have two pairs, split them unless both are low-value pairs (e.g., 2s and 3s).
  • If you have three pairs, put the highest pair in the high hand and the smallest in the low hand.

3. Keep Strong Hands Together

If you’re dealt a very strong five-card hand (e.g., a full house), keep it together instead of breaking it up to strengthen the low hand. This increases your chances of beating the dealer.

4. Playing a Joker

  • If you get a joker, use it to complete a straight or flush in your high hand.
  • If a straight or flush isn’t possible, play it as an Ace in the high hand.

5. When to Play High Cards in Your Low Hand

If you don’t have a pair, you must place two high cards (like an Ace and a King) in your low hand to make it stronger.

Want to refine your poker strategy? Read our Poker Strategy Guide for expert tips.

Advanced Pai Gow Poker Tactics

1. The House Way (Dealer’s Strategy)

In casinos, the dealer follows a set Pai Gow strategy called the House Way to split their cards. Learning this can help you:
✔️ Understand how the dealer plays.
✔️ Make better decisions based on how the dealer sets their hands.

2. Play for More Pushes (Ties)

Since Pai Gow Poker has a high number of ties, managing your bankroll and avoiding big losses is easier than in other poker games. Playing conservatively and aiming for more pushes can help maintain your balance longer.

3. Pay Attention to the Dealer’s Up-Card

Some casinos show one of the dealer’s cards face-up. Use this information to decide how to set your hand.

Playing Pai Gow Poker Online

If you want to experience Pai Gow Poker without going to a casino, you can play at online poker sites.

Why Play Pai Gow Poker Online?

✔️ Faster Gameplay: Online Pai Gow is quicker than live games, letting you play more hands.
✔️ Lower Stakes: Many online casinos let you play Pai Gow with small bets.
✔️ Practice for Free: Some sites offer free Pai Gow Poker games to help you learn.
✔️ Play Anytime, Anywhere: No need to visit a casino—play from your phone or computer.

Want to start playing? Check out the best online poker sites for real money Pai Gow Poker.

Explore More Poker Variants

If you enjoy Pai Gow Poker, you might like these other Poker Variants:

Check out our Poker Variants Guide to find the best poker game for you!

Conclusion

Mastering Pai Gow Poker requires a mix of strategy, patience, and adaptability. Since this game involves more decision-making than most casino poker variants, knowing how to split your hands correctly is the key to success.

By following these strategies and practicing online, you’ll improve your game and have a better chance of beating the dealer.

Ready to start playing? The cards are waiting—try Pai Gow Poker today!

Pai Gow Poker FAQs

1. What is the best strategy for Pai Gow Poker?

The best strategy is to balance your hands by keeping the high hand stronger while still making a competitive low hand.

2. Can I win both hands in Pai Gow Poker?

Yes! If both your high and low hands beat the dealer’s, you win the bet.

3. What happens if only one of my hands wins?

If one hand wins and the other loses, the round is a push (you get your bet back).

4. Where can I play Pai Gow Poker online?

You can play Pai Gow Poker for real money at the best online poker sites.

5. Is Pai Gow Poker a game of skill or luck?

Pai Gow Poker is a mix of both—luck determines the cards you get, but strategy plays a big role in how you set your hands.

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