How to Play Pai Gow Poker at the Casino

If you are looking for a slow-paced, highly strategic game with a low house edge, Pai Gow Poker is the perfect choice.

Because of the unique way hands are scored, you will frequently tie the dealer, making it a very low-volatility game.

The Basic Rules of Pai Gow Poker

After placing your bet, the dealer distributes exactly seven cards to every player and to themselves.

Your objective is to separate your seven cards into two distinct hands: a five-card 'high' hand and a two-card 'low' hand.

• The dealer must set their hand according to a strict set of casino rules called the 'House Way'
• If you are confused, you can always ask the dealer to set your hand according to the House Way for you
• Because tying is so common, the casino takes a 5% commission on all winning bets to maintain their house edge

The Smartest Way to Play Pai Gow

Because you need to win both hands to make a profit, you cannot just stack all your best cards in the five-card hand.

If you are dealt a full house, you should almost always split it: put the three-of-a-kind in the back and the pair in the front.

By learning how to balance your high and low hands perfectly, you can enjoy one of the best table games in the casino.