How to Play Pai Gow Poker – The Basics

Pai Gow is a popular game that’s available in many online and land-based casinos. The other name for this game is Double Hand Poker, and what makes it different from original Pai Gow is that it’s actually played with cards instead of pai gows. The version with cards is what we’re interested in.

The game is played with 52 cards and one joker. The maximum number of players who can sit at the table is six, and all of them have one goal in common – to beat the dealer. You are dealt seven cards and need to make two hands with them.

The first is called the “high” hand, which is sometimes referred to as the back hand or big hand. It must consist of five cards.

The other hand needs to consist of the remaining two cards, and it is usually called the front hand or small hand. The only rule here is that your high hand must rank higher than your low hand.

For example, if you manage to get a pair of fours in your low hand, a pair of fives it the minimum you need to have in your high hand.

After you set your two hands, it’s time for the showdown. In this case, there are three scenarios that can happen. Mind you, these rules are applied in Pai Gow poker that’s offered in all USA online casinos.

• You win both hands against the dealer and win the bet.
• The dealer wins both hands, and you lose the bet.
• You win one hand and the dealer the other. In that case, it’s a push, and your original bet is returned to you.

It’s also important to take into account that tied hands work in the dealer’s favor. In other words, if you both happen to have a pair of aces in your high hand, the dealer will win that hand.

How It Starts

The round begins with the dealer giving players seven cards. Players also make a bet at the start of the round and then proceed to look at their cards and make two hands.

If you have a joker, you can use it to complete a straight or a flush. However, in every other case, the joker must be considered an ace. This rule may differ a bit, depending on the casino you choose.

If you want to play this game, make sure to check out our list of online pai gow poker casinos. These platforms also offer great welcome bonuses for new players, so feel free to take a look at them and select the one you like the most.