Pai Gow Poker is a casino table game where players receive seven cards and split them into two hands: a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand.
To win, both hands must beat the dealer’s hands.
Pai Gow Poker is popular because it is easy to learn, slower-paced than most casino games, and produces frequent pushes, which helps reduce risk.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker (Quick Answer)
- You receive 7 cards
- Split them into:
- 5-card high hand
- 2-card low hand
- The high hand must rank higher than the low hand
- Compare both hands to the dealer
- Win both → you win
- Lose both → you lose
- One win / one loss → push
Pai Gow Poker Rules
- Each player gets 7 cards
- You must create:
- One 5-card hand
- One 2-card hand
- The dealer sets their hand using a fixed system called the house way
- Both hands are compared separately
- Ties usually go to the dealer
- Winning bets typically pay even money minus 5% commission
Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings
5-Card Hand (Standard Poker Rankings)
- Royal Flush
- Straight Flush
- Four of a Kind
- Full House
- Flush
- Straight
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
2-Card Hand
- Pair
- High Card
How to Set Pai Gow Poker Hands
This is the most important skill in the game.
Basic Strategy
- Keep your high hand stronger than your low hand
- Avoid making your low hand too weak
- Balance both hands instead of overloading one
Common Hand Rules
- Two Pair: Usually split them
- Three Pair: Put the highest pair in the high hand and the second-highest pair in the low hand
- Full House: Often break it up
- Straight/Flush: Keep it in the high hand
- Strong Hands: Keep at least a decent low hand when possible
Tip: You can ask the dealer to set your hand the “house way” if you are unsure.
Example of a Pai Gow Poker Hand
Hand dealt:
A♠ A♦ K♣ K♥ 9♠ 6♣ 3♦
Best setup:
- High hand: A♠ A♦ 9♠ 6♣ 3♦
- Low hand: K♥ K♣
This gives you strength in both hands instead of making one hand too strong and the other too weak.
Pai Gow Poker Strategy Tips
- Never foul your hand
- Strengthen your low hand whenever possible
- Follow the house way if you are unsure
- Expect many pushes
- Learn how the joker works
Why Play Pai Gow Poker?
- Slower pace
- Beginner-friendly
- Lower house edge than many games
- Frequent pushes can reduce losses
Pai Gow Poker House Edge and Odds
Pai Gow Poker is known for having a relatively low house edge compared to many casino games, especially when played using proper strategy. The house edge in Pai Gow Poker is typically around 2.5% to 2.8%, depending on how the game is played and whether the player banks.
How Pai Gow Poker Compares to Other Casino Games
- Blackjack (basic strategy): ~0.75% house edge
- Baccarat (banker bet): ~1.06% house edge
- Pai Gow Poker: ~2.5% house edge
- Roulette (American): ~5.26% house edge
- Slot Machines: Often 5% to 10%+ house edge
While Pai Gow Poker does not offer the absolute lowest house edge, it stands out because of its high number of pushes. This means many hands result in no win or loss, helping players preserve their bankroll longer. For players looking for a slower-paced game with steady action and lower volatility, Pai Gow Poker is often considered one of the better choices on the casino floor.
Pai Gow Poker vs Regular Poker
- You play against the dealer, not other players
- There is no bluffing
- Strategy is based on hand splitting
- The pace is more relaxed than many poker games
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you play Pai Gow Poker?
Players receive 7 cards and split them into a 5-card hand and a 2-card hand. Both hands must beat the dealer to win.
What is a push?
A push happens when one hand wins and the other hand loses. Your original bet is returned.
Is Pai Gow Poker easy?
Yes. Pai Gow Poker is beginner-friendly, especially if you know basic poker hand rankings.
How many cards do you get?
Each player receives seven cards.
WANT TO LEARN TO BE A BETTER PLAYER?
How to Play Blackjack
How to Play Craps
How to Play Baccarat
How to Play Slots
How to Play Video Poker
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