This is an educational guide to how casino games work. House edge and payout figures are typical values and vary by game, rules and operator. No casino game can be beaten in the long run — play for entertainment, never as a way to make money, and only stake what you can afford to lose.
What Is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is a slower, more relaxed casino card game with a distinctive twist — you make two hands at once. Here’s how it works.
How it works
You’re dealt seven cards and must split them into two hands: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The five-card hand must outrank the two-card hand. Both of your hands then have to beat the dealer’s two hands for you to win.
Why so many ties
Because you need both hands to win, “pushes” (ties, where you win one and lose one) are common. That makes Pai Gow Poker low-volatility and slow-paced — your money tends to last, with fewer big swings.
The commission
Winning bets usually carry a 5% commission. The skill lies in how you split your seven cards, so it pays to learn the optimal way to set a hand. See how Casino Hold’em works, three card poker rules and what the house edge is.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pai Gow Poker?
A game where you split seven cards into a five-card and a two-card hand, both of which must beat the dealer’s.
Why are there so many ties?
Because both hands must win, pushes (ties) are common, making it a slower, lower-volatility game.
Is there a commission?
Yes — winning bets usually carry a 5% commission.
Related guides: how Casino Hold’em works, three card poker rules and what the house edge is.