How to Play the Bonus in Pai Gow

Pai Gow is one of those games that many amateur card players steer clear of. But once you learn the game, playing the bonus can be an easy way to earn extra money on a hand.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Review the bonus pay-off guidelines before betting.
2. Place a bet between $1 and $100 (or whatever the bonus guidelines are at the table) on the bonus line.
3. Set your front and back hands just as you would without having played the bonus.
4. Before placing your cards face down, examine them to see if you have a poker hand that consists of a straight or better.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to use the joker as an ace or as part of a straight or flush, they can really pay off on a bonus hand.
• Remember that the bonus hand often will pay out more frequently than a normal bet. However, the house automatically gets your bonus bet on every hand if you don't hit a bonus. They do not collect on your hand if you win or push (which is often the case) on your normal hand.