How To Play Pai Gow Poker At The Casino

Pai Gow Poker is a fascinating and incredibly popular table game that blends ancient Chinese mechanics with modern American poker.


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.


You must arrange your cards into a five-card back hand and a two-card front hand, following traditional poker rankings.

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 youBecause tying is so common, the casino takes a 5% commission on all winning bets to maintain their house edge
How to Optimize Your Pai Gow Hands

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 a full house, you should almost always split it: put the three-of-a-kind in the back and the pair in the front.

SituationActionOutcomeYou cannot figure out the best moveAsk dealer for the 'House Way'Ensures you don't make a mathematical errorFour of a Kind (Jacks or better)Split into two pairsCreates 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.