How to Play Pai Gow Poker

Out of the seven cards dealt to them, players make their best five-card and two-card poker hands to compete with the dealer's two hands. The five-card hand must be stronger than the two-card hand. A winner is declared when both of his hands beat the dealer's respective hands.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Card Tables
• Folding Chairs
• Playing Cards
• Poker Chips

1. Find a Pai Gow Poker table whose betting ranges suit you.

2. Sit down, place your bet and receive your cards from the dealer.

3. Split your seven cards into two poker hands. The five-card hand must be stronger than the two-card hand. (If your cards are 3, 6, 7, 8, 10, jack, king and king, you must place your pair of kings in the five-card hand, leaving the jack and 10 as your best two-card hand.)

4. Place your two hands on the table in their designated areas. The dealer will instruct you, if necessary.

5. Wait for the dealer to separate her cards to see if you've won. The winning cards beat both the dealer's five-card and two-card hands. Winning only one hand (which usually happens) results in a tie.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to practice for free or play for money online, the best site is Casino-on-Net.

• A majority of Pai Gow hands end up in ties and no money is exchanged. For this reason, players can play Pai Gow Poker for hours with little net gain or loss.

• The house gains its advantage from a 5 percent commission charged on winning bets. That is, 25 cents per $5 bet.

• Nearly every major casino sets a few tables aside for Pai Gow Poker.

• If you're unsure or confused, ask the dealer. She'll help by showing you the way the house would play your hand.