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Official Pai Gow Poker Rules
Pai Gow Poker is a unique casino game where players compete against the dealer, rather than other players. Here's how to play:
Objective
In Pai Gow Poker, players aim to create two poker hands (a high hand and a low hand) from their seven cards. The goal is to beat both of the dealer's hands.
Card Rankings and Hand Values
Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10 all of the same suit
Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit
Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank
Full House: Three of a Kind plus a Pair
Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not consecutive
Straight: Five consecutive cards of any suit
Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank
Two Pair: Two pairs of cards
One Pair: Two cards of the same rank
High Card: The highest card if no other hand is made
Gameplay
Placing Bets:
Players place their initial bet in the designated betting area.
Dealing Cards:
Each player and the dealer receive seven cards face down.
Setting Hands:
Players must divide their seven cards into two hands: a high hand (five cards) and a low hand (two cards).
The high hand must be stronger than the low hand. For example, you cannot have a full house as your low hand and a pair as your high hand.
Hand Rankings:
The high hand is ranked according to standard poker hand rankings.
The low hand is typically ranked using the same poker hand rankings, with the two cards needing to form the best possible pair or high card hand.
Player Actions:
Players set their hands based on their cards and standard poker strategy.
Dealer's Hand:
The dealer sets their hand according to a predetermined set of rules, usually requiring a minimum hand of a pair or better.
Comparing Hands:
The player’s high hand is compared to the dealer’s high hand, and the player’s low hand is compared to the dealer’s low hand.
The player must win both hands to win the round. If the player wins one hand and loses the other, or if the dealer wins both hands, the player loses their bet.
Payouts
If the player wins both hands, they are paid according to the casino’s payout table, which typically pays even money on the main bet.
If the player wins one hand and loses the other, they lose their bet.
If the dealer and player tie in both hands, it is usually a push, and the player’s bet is returned.
Some versions of Pai Gow Poker offer bonus bets that pay based on the player’s highest possible five-card hand regardless of the outcome of the main hand.
Strategy
Basic Strategy
Prioritize High Hand:Â Your primary focus should be on creating the strongest possible five-card hand.
Low Hand Strength:Â Ensure your two-card hand is stronger than the lowest possible two-card hand (pair of twos).
Hand Combinations: Pay attention to hand combinations and how they interact. For instance, a pair in your high hand might dictate the composition of your low hand.
Dealer's Hand: While you can't control the dealer's hand, understanding common dealer hand patterns can help you make better decisions.
Specific Hand Examples
Two Pair: Typically, the higher pair goes in the high hand, and the lower pair in the low hand. However, consider exceptions based on other cards.
Three of a Kind: Usually, the three of a kind goes in the high hand, and the two highest remaining cards in the low hand.
Straight or Flush: These hands usually go in the high hand, with the two highest remaining cards in the low hand.
Full House: The full house typically goes in the high hand, with the remaining card in the low hand.
Four of a Kind: The four of a kind goes in the high hand, and the remaining card in the low hand.
Straight Flush: The straight flush goes in the high hand, with the highest remaining card in the low hand.
Pai Gow Poker offers a combination of skill and luck, making it an intriguing game for players who enjoy poker.