Pai Gow Poker, an intriguing fusion of poker and the Chinese domino game Pai Gow, has been captivating casino enthusiasts since its inception in the mid-'80s. Invented by Sam Torosian, the owner of the Bell Card Club, this game is an exciting blend of skill and luck. Though it seems complex at first, with a solid grasp of the fundamentals, you can quickly become proficient and enjoy the game. This guide will take you through the basics of Pai Gow Poker, its rules, strategies, hand rankings, and more.
The Origin of Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker, also known as Double Hand Poker, was born out of the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow, which is played with dominoes. In 1985, Sam Torosian, owner of the Bell Card Club, introduced a variation using a 53-card deck instead of dominoes. Although originating from an ancient game, Pai Gow Poker is a relatively recent addition to the casino world. Regrettably, due to poor legal advice, Torosian launched the game without a patent, meaning he couldn't capitalize on its success when it spread among competitors.
Understanding the Basics of Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker employs a standard 52-card deck, augmented with a joker. The game revolves around forming two poker hands - a five-card 'high' hand and a two-card 'low' hand - from the seven cards dealt. The game's objective is straightforward: to outdo the banker. The banker could be the dealer, another player, or a team of the player-dealer. The player's high hand must beat the low hand. For instance, if your low hand is a pair of fives, your high hand should surpass a pair of fives.
The Table Layout in Pai Gow Poker
A typical Pai Gow Poker table can accommodate up to six players. Each player is dealt seven cards face-down. The player, after examining their cards, splits them into two hands - a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. The five-card hand should outrank the two-card hand. The high hand is also known as the back hand or big hand, and the low hand is referred to as the front hand or small hand.
The Role of Joker in Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker uses a 53-card deck, which includes a joker. The joker isn't wild and can only be used as an Ace, or to complete a Straight or a Flush. In the two-card hand, the joker is always an ace.
The Deal in Pai Gow Poker
The deal in Pai Gow Poker is distinctive. After shuffling the cards, the dealer arranges them into seven face-down piles, each containing seven cards. These piles are for each player and the dealer, with the remaining four unused cards placed in the discard pile or 'muck'. The dealer usually hands out the cards in a counter-clockwise direction.
Setting Your Pai Gow Hand
In the two-card hand, you can only make pairs or high cards. The five-card hand follows standard poker hand rankings. It's vital that the five-card hand outranks the two-card hand. For instance, if the two-card hand comprises a pair of aces, the five-card hand must be superior to two-pair.
The Showdown in Pai Gow Poker
Once the players set their hands, they place the two-card hand in front and the five-card hand behind. If a hand is set incorrectly, such as having the two-hand hand outranking the five-card hand, then the hand is considered fouled. Depending on the casino, it may either be reset according to house rules or forfeited.
Commission in Pai Gow Poker
In most cases, the casino deducts a commission from the player's winnings, usually 5%. Some casinos may charge a flat fee per hand, depending on the bet amount.
Pai Gow Poker Side Bets
Many casinos are now incorporating Pai Gow Poker variants characterized by side bets that can augment a player's winnings. These side bets neither enhance nor detract from the main bet for the hand. Instead, the player bets extra on whether they'll get a three-of-a-kind, a full house, four-of-a-kind, a straight flush, or a royal flush. The higher the hand, the higher the bonus payout.
Pai Gow Poker Strategy
Success in Pai Gow Poker relies heavily on how the cards are dealt, as there are no betting rounds. Some skill is required in setting one's hand to maximize the chances of beating the dealer. Often, players face hands that can be set in multiple ways, all with differing outcomes.
Pai Gow Poker Online
With a solid understanding of the game's rules and strategies, you can enjoy playing Pai Gow Poker online or at a live casino. Numerous online casinos offer free or real-money versions of Pai Gow Poker. By applying the strategies and tips shared in this guide, you can enhance your proficiency in Pai Gow Poker and escalate your winning potential.