Pai Gow How to Play

Jul 04, 2023

Pai Gow is a traditional Chinese gambling game that has gained popularity worldwide. It is played with a set of 32 Chinese dominoes, also known as tiles, and a deck of playing cards. The objective of the game is to create two hands, one of five cards and one of two cards, that can beat the corresponding hands of the dealer.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play Pai Gow:

1. Start by placing your bet: Before the game begins, all players must place their bets. The minimum and maximum bet limits are usually displayed on the table.

2. Receive the tiles and cards: The dealer will then distribute seven tiles and seven cards to each player, face down. The remaining tiles and cards are set aside and not used in the current round.

3. Arrange your tiles: Now, you need to arrange your seven tiles into two separate hands. The five-tile hand is commonly referred to as the “high hand” or “big hand,” while the two-tile hand is called the “low hand” or “small hand.” The high hand must have a higher value than the low hand.

4. Compare your hands with the dealer: Once all players have arranged their hands, the dealer will reveal their own tiles and cards. The dealer will then compare their hands with each player’s hands individually.

5. Determine the winner: To win, both of your hands must beat the corresponding hands of the dealer. If only one of your hands wins, it’s a push, and your bet is returned. If both of your hands lose, you lose your bet.

6. Understand the tile values: In Pai Gow, the values of the tiles differ from traditional dominoes. Each tile has a numerical value, ranging from 1 to 9. The higher the value, the stronger the tile. There are also special tiles, such as the Gee Joon and the Teen tiles, which have specific values.

7. Know the card rankings: The deck of cards used in Pai Gow is a standard 52-card deck, with one Joker. Card rankings follow traditional poker rules, with aces being the highest-ranking card and twos being the lowest. The Joker can be used to complete a straight or a flush, or as an Ace.

8. Understand hand rankings: Hand rankings in Pai Gow are similar to traditional poker, with some exceptions. The highest-ranking hand is five aces (using the Joker as an Ace), followed by a royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pair, one pair, and high card.

9. Use strategy: Pai Gow involves strategy in arranging your hands. Generally, it is recommended to create the highest possible two-card hand while keeping the five-card hand strong. Understanding the probabilities and odds can help you make informed decisions.

10. Play as the banker (optional): In some casinos, players have the option to be the banker. The banker has certain advantages, such as winning ties and collecting commission from winning players. However, being the banker also requires having enough funds to cover all bets made by other players.

11. Learn the house rules: It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the casino you’re playing at. Each casino may have variations in hand rankings, commission rates, and other rules that can affect the gameplay.

Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions about Pai Gow:

1. Can I play Pai Gow online?Yes, many online casinos now offer Pai Gow as one of their games.

2. How long does a game of Pai Gow typically last?The duration of a game can vary, but on average, it takes around five to ten minutes per round.

3. Can I split pairs in Pai Gow?No, pairs cannot be split in Pai Gow. They must be kept together in the five-card hand.

4. What happens if I have the same value of tiles as the dealer?If both of your hands have the same value as the dealer’s hands, it’s considered a push, and your bet is returned.

5. Do I have to be the banker at some point?No, being the banker is optional. You can choose to play as a regular player throughout the game.

6. Can the Joker be used in both the high and low hands?Yes, the Joker can be used in both hands, but its value can change depending on the situation.

7. Is Pai Gow a high-risk game?Pai Gow is generally considered a low-risk game due to its low volatility. However, it’s important to manage your bets wisely.

8. Can I play Pai Gow with friends at home?Yes, you can play Pai Gow with friends at home using a set of tiles and cards.

9. Are there any side bets in Pai Gow?Some casinos offer side bets in Pai Gow, such as Fortune Pai Gow or Progressive Pai Gow, which provide additional opportunities to win.

10. Can I surrender in Pai Gow?No, surrendering is not an option in Pai Gow. You must play out your hand until the end.

11. Do I need to know Chinese to play Pai Gow?No, you don’t need to know Chinese to play Pai Gow. The game is played with tiles and cards, and the rules are generally translated into the local language.

12. Can I play Pai Gow if I don’t know how to play poker?Yes, you can play Pai Gow even if you don’t know how to play poker. The rules and hand rankings are straightforward and easy to understand.

13. Is there a winning strategy in Pai Gow?While there is no guaranteed winning strategy, understanding the game’s odds and probabilities can help you make better decisions and improve your chances of winning.

Pai Gow is an exciting and strategic gambling game that offers a unique twist on traditional poker. Whether you’re playing at a casino or with friends at home, understanding the rules and hand rankings is key to enjoying this game to the fullest. So, gather your tiles and cards, and give Pai Gow a try!