How To Play Pai Gow Poker At The Casino

Pai Gow Poker is a fascinating and incredibly popular table game that blends ancient Chinese mechanics with modern American poker.


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

How to Set Your Hands in Pai Gow

The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus one single Joker which acts as a semi-wild card.


The single most important rule of the game is that your five-card hand MUST be strictly higher in value than your two-card 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 youBecause tying is so common, the casino takes a 5% commission on all winning bets to maintain their house edge
How to Optimize Your Pai Gow Hands

The strategy in Pai Gow revolves entirely around making your two-card hand as strong as legally possible without fouling.


When dealt a hand with no pairs (a 'Pai Gow'), you put your highest card in the back and your next two highest in the front.

SituationActionOutcomeYou cannot figure out the best moveAsk dealer for the 'House Way'Ensures you don't make a mathematical errorFour of a Kind (Jacks or better)Split into two pairsCreates two incredibly strong hands

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