If you wander through the table games section of any major casino, you will eventually discover the slow, methodical game of Pai Gow Poker.
It is universally beloved by older gamblers and those who want to stretch their bankroll for hours while enjoying free casino drinks.
How to Set Your Hands in Pai Gow
The game uses a standard 52-card deck, plus one single joker, which acts as a versatile wild card under specific conditions.
Once everyone has "set" their hands, they are compared directly against the dealer's two corresponding hands to determine the winner.
You must win both the High and Low hands against the dealer to win your betIf you win one hand and lose the other, the entire round is a "push" (tie)If you lose both hands to the dealer, the casino takes your entire wager
How the Dealer Plays Their Cards
However, you do not need to be a math genius; every casino has a strict, printed rulebook detailing exactly how the dealer must set their hand.
The dealer will happily arrange your hand exactly according to the mathematical guidelines of the House Way.
Why High Rollers Love the Slow Pace
The defining characteristic of Pai Gow Poker is its incredibly slow, relaxed, and highly sociable pace of play.
If you want to experience the thrill of a table game without the intense stress of rapid bankroll swings, Pai Gow is the perfect choice.
Game MetricPai Gow PokerBlackjackPace of PlayVery Slow (~30 hands/hour)Fast (~70 hands/hour)Bankroll SwingsVery Low (Frequent Pushes)Medium to High
Take a seat, ask the dealer to explain the House Way, and enjoy the most relaxing mathematical puzzle the casino has to offer.
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Understanding the Rules of Pai Gow
Alba Montanez edited this page 1 month ago