How to Play Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker combines elements of the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow and the American game of poker. It is played with a traditional deck of 52 playing cards plus one joker. The joker is used only as an Ace, or to complete a straight, a flush, or a straight flush.

The dealer starts the game by rolling three dice. The total of the dice determines which player receives the first set of cards. Each player receives seven cards and creates two hands simultaneously: a high hand and second high hand. The player’s high hand is made up of two cards. Both hands must be higher than the bank hands to win. If one hand is higher and the other is lower, it is a tie. IF both of the player’s hands are lower than the bank’s hands, the player loses.

Pai Gow Poker is essentially playing two separate poker hands according to traditional poker rankings. The house dealer will explain the ranks and assist you in arranging your hands, but is not responsible for wins or losses.

Payoffs are even money, and the house collects a 5% commission on all winning wagers.