How to Win at Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow poker moves at a more relaxed pace than most casino games. There is very little chance of losing (or winning) big money in one sitting, so it's a good option if you don't want to put a lot on the line. Here are the basics for playing this casino game.
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Instructions
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The Deal
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1
Understand that each player makes a wager of at least the table minimum.
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Know that all players and the dealer are dealt seven cards.
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3
Keep in mind that players must split the cards into a five-card hand, known as the "bottom," and a two-card hand, known as the "top." The bottom hand must be better than the top hand. For example, if you only have one pair, it must go to the five-card hand, while the two-card hand uses your highest remaining cards. There are no straights or flushes in the top hand.
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4
Remember that cards are ranked according to standard poker rules, except that some casinos rank ace through five as the second-highest straight. The joker in Pai Gow poker acts as a "bug," meaning it can either be an ace or the fifth card in a straight or flush only.
The Results
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5
Know that the player wins the bet when both hands are better than the dealer's two hands, and vice versa. The game is a draw, or "push," when the player wins one hand and loses the other. When the player and dealer have identical hands, known as a "copy," the tie goes to the dealer.
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Because the odds of winning Pai Gow poker only slightly favor the banker, casinos earn money by charging a commission on the player's winnings, usually 5 percent according to the website, The Wizard of Odds.
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Know that players may elect to be the "banker," which offers the slight advantage of winning copies, but only for one turn in a row.
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Tips & Warnings
Casino dealers arrange their cards according to a set of rules called the "house way." This is generally regarded as the safest way to play. An example is linked below in the Resources section.
Resources
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Comments
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