If you are looking for a unique, fun game to play at the online casino, then you can play Pai Gow Poker online and experience a slower-paced, strategy-focused table game.
This game feels like a blend of poker and baccarat and is played at a slower pace than other table games, which makes it a great starting point for beginners. Instead of playing against other players, such as you do in other poker variants, you go against the dealer, splitting your 7 cards into a pair of potentially winning hands.
Pai Gow is often listed among the best online casino games for beginners because of its slower pace and frequent pushes.
We will get into all the Pai Gow rules, while also showing you how to play, in this guide, so let’s get to it.
Pai Gow Poker at a Glance
Table of Contents
- What Is Pai Gow?
- Pai Gow Poker Rules Explained
- How to Play Pai Gow Poker (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings
- Using the Joker in Pai Gow Poker
- Common Hand-Setting Mistakes
- Pai Gow Poker Odds, House Edge, and Volatility
- Pai Gow Poker Strategy for Beginners
- Understanding Pai Gow Poker Odds and Pushes
- Is Pai Gow Poker a Good Game to Play?
- People Also Ask About Pai Gow Poker
- Pai Gow Poker FAQs
- Conclusion
What Is Pai Gow?
What does Pai Gow mean? This is a very common question, with the answer coming from a Chinese domino game that translates to “make nine.” When Chinese immigrant moved to the west, they flipped the game from dominos to a traditional 52-card deck, as well as a joker. We don’t want to dive too deeply into the history of Pai Gow, as we are sure most of you just want to play, so let’s move on to that.
Quick Definition
Pai Gow Poker is a 7-card poker-based casino game where players split their cards into two hands and compete only against the dealer.
Pai Gow Poker is a casino table game where players receive seven cards, split them into a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand, and compete directly against the dealer.
Short answer: Pai Gow Poker is a casino table game where players receive seven cards, split them into two hands, and compete directly against the dealer. To win, both hands must beat the dealer’s corresponding hands.
Pai Gow Poker Key Takeaways
- Pai Gow Poker is a 7-card casino table game played only against the dealer.
- You must split your cards into a 5-card high hand and a 2-card low hand.
- Your low hand must always be weaker than your high hand.
- Pushes are common and reduce volatility.
- The house edge is typically around 2.5%–2.8% with standard commission.
Pai Gow Poker Rules Explained
We will try and keep the rules of Pai Gow as simple and straightforward as possible. Remember, you are only playing against the dealer, so it does not matter how many players are seated at a table. You are dealt 7 card and are looking to make a pair of winning hands as follows:
- A five card high hand (back hand)
- A two card low hand (front hand)
High Hand vs Low Hand
| Hand | Cards | Purpose | Key rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back hand (High hand) | 5 cards | Your stronger hand | Uses standard poker hand strength. |
| Front hand (Low hand) | 2 cards | Your weaker hand | Must be weaker than the high hand or it becomes a foul. |
Your two-card hand needs to be the weaker of your two hands. If it turns out to be stronger, this is considered a foul and an automatic loss. The dealer reveals their hands after you have yours set, and the game pays out in the following way:
- If both your hands beat the dealer’s, you win.
- If one wins and one loses, it’s a push.
- If both lose, you lose your bet (minus the house commission).
- If both hands tie, the dealer wins that portion of the comparison.
Round Outcome Summary
| Your Result | Outcome |
|---|---|
| Both hands win | You win |
| One win / One loss | Push |
| Both lose | You lose (5% commission applies) |
| Tie | Dealer wins tied hand |
How to Play Pai Gow Poker (Step-by-Step Guide)
Now that we have covered the basic rules of Pai Gow, let’s talk about how to play Pai Gow poker, which we will do by going over a single round of play. After placing your wager, you will receive 7 cards from the dealer from a 53-card deck (remember the joker), after which you will arrange those cards into a pair of different hands (5-card high, 2-card low).
The dealer then compares your hand to his to determine the results, based on the Pai Gow poker hand rankings. Refer to the previous section to see how the game pays out depending on the comparison of your hand to that of the dealer.
In short, though, the goal is to get two winning hands in what is a very beginner-friendly game.
If you prefer a more immersive experience, you can also explore live casino games, where real dealers manage table games in real time.
This flow duplicates the same round description from the section text so readers can scan it faster.
Wager ➜ Receive 7 Cards ➜ Set High & Low Hands ➜ Dealer Compares ➜ Result Paid
Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings
Let’s talk about Pai Gow poker hand rankings for both the High and Low Hands
High Hand Rankings
The five card hand in Pai Gow Poker follows standard poker rankings:
- Royal Flush (10–Ace same suit)
- Straight Flush (five consecutive cards of the same suit)
- Four of a Kind (four cards of the same rank)
- Full House (three of a kind plus a pair)
- Flush (five cards of the same suit)
- Straight (five consecutive ranks)
- Three of a Kind
- Two Pair
- One Pair
- High Card
Hand Rankings Quick Scan
| High Hand (5-card) | Low Hand (2-card) |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush, Straight Flush, Four of a Kind, Full House, Flush | Pair |
| Straight, Three of a Kind, Two Pair, One Pair, High Card | High card |
Low Hand (Front Hand) Rules
- Pair (higher pairs beat lower pairs: Aces highest, then Kings, etc.)
- High card (King high beats Queen high, etc.)
As part of your Pai Gow strategy, you want to create two strong hands, which could mean splitting pairs between both hands, making sure that the higher pair is in your High Hand.
Using the Joker in Pai Gow Poker
The joker is essentially a wild card that can be used as an Ace or to complete a straight or flush. For example, if you have four cards of the same suit, you could use the Joker to make sure that you have a High Hand flush.
The Joker acts as an Ace or completes a Straight or Flush — nothing else.
Common Hand-Setting Mistakes
Putting a higher pair in the Low (front) Hand is an automatic foul, while also being a common mistake. While you may feel the emphasis should be on your 5-card hand, you are looking to make the best of both hands to get an edge over the dealer in Pai Gow poker.
Pai Gow Poker Odds, House Edge, and Volatility
The house edge in Pai Gow Poker is relatively low compared to many table games. With basic strategy and standard 5% commission, the house edge is typically around 2.5–2.8% against the player.
If you are curious how strategy impacts other games, you may also want to explore whether mathematical roulette strategies really work, especially when comparing house edges.
This is better than many slots and some side bets, though higher than blackjack with perfect basic strategy.
House Edge (Visual Reference)
This visual repeats the same comparisons already stated in the section.
| Game | Approx. House Edge |
|---|---|
| Pai Gow Poker | 2.5–2.8% |
| Slots | Varies (often higher) |
| Blackjack (Perfect Strategy) | Lower |
Pai Gow Poker vs Blackjack vs Baccarat
| Feature | Pai Gow Poker | Blackjack | Baccarat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | Low to moderate | Moderate | Low |
| Push frequency | High | Moderate | Low |
| Player decisions | Hand setting | Hit / Stand decisions | Banker / Player choice |
Pai Gow Poker Strategy for Beginners
Let’s quickly break down the Pai Gow strategy basics.
While Pai Gow strategy focuses on hand setting rather than progression systems, some players still study approaches like the Paroli system to better understand positive progression betting.
Pai Gow Poker is best suited for players who prefer lower volatility, slower gameplay, and structured decision-making rather than rapid high-risk betting.
1. Always Keep Hands Balanced (baccarat strategy to win)
Two strong hands give you the best chance of winning, so learn how to properly split pairs without fouling.
2. Play the Banker When Possible
When you get to act as the banker, you get a slight edge, as ties default to you.
There are still risks, though, so money management in Pai Gow poker is always a must.
3. Use a Simple Pai Gow Poker Strategy Chart
When learning how to play Pai Gow, a simple hand setting chart can help you understand the strength of each hand.
Avoid Aggressive Betting Early On
While the game of Pai Gow is relatively straightforward, you can still lose if you are too aggressive without knowing all the rules.
Start with low stakes and only increase when you begin to have a better understanding of Pai Gow poker.
Understanding Pai Gow Poker Odds and Pushes
Pushes are a defining feature of Pai Gow Poker.
When you and the dealer tie on at least one hand, your bet is returned instead of being lost. This dampens volatility and makes the game feel more like a long term exercise in patience than a major gamble.
Why Pushes Change the Feel of the Game
| Situation | What happens | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| You tie or split across hands | Your bet is returned as a push instead of being lost | It dampens volatility and supports a patience-based play style |
When Should You Play Pai Gow Poker?
| Good fit if you: | Not ideal if you: |
|---|---|
| Prefer slower-paced games | Want fast, high-volatility action |
| Like lower volatility and frequent pushes | Dislike pushes or split outcomes |
| Enjoy strategic hand setting | Prefer purely automatic gameplay |
Is Pai Gow Poker a Good Game to Play?
Like every casino game, Pai Gow poker has a definite list of pros and cons.
If you are still comparing formats, understanding how streamed tables operate can help, especially if you’re curious about how live casino games work before trying Pai Gow in that format.
On the positive side, it is a slower game that is less volatile than most, which means fewer major losing streaks. On the negative side, setting hands can be tough for beginners, but a good chart can help, as does practice and patience.
Pai Gow Poker Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Lower volatility than many table games | 5% commission on winning hands |
| Frequent pushes reduce losses | Hand-setting can be confusing for beginners |
| Strategic decision-making involved | Slower gameplay compared to blackjack |
People Also Ask About Pai Gow Poker
Is Pai Gow Poker skill or luck?
Pai Gow Poker combines both. The cards you receive are random, but how you split your seven cards into two hands involves decision-making strategy that impacts long-term results.
How often do pushes happen in Pai Gow Poker?
Pushes occur more frequently in Pai Gow Poker than in most table games because players must win both hands to secure a full win, and split outcomes result in returned wagers.
Is Pai Gow Poker better than blackjack?
Pai Gow Poker typically has a slightly higher house edge than blackjack played with perfect strategy, but it offers lower volatility and more pushes, which many players prefer.
Can you win consistently at Pai Gow Poker?
No casino game guarantees consistent wins. However, using proper hand-setting strategy and understanding push frequency can help reduce volatility over time.
What is the best strategy for Pai Gow Poker?
The best strategy focuses on properly balancing your high and low hands, avoiding fouls, and understanding how the Joker can legally be used.
Why is Pai Gow Poker slower than other casino games?
Pai Gow Poker requires players to manually set two separate hands before comparison, which naturally slows gameplay compared to games like blackjack or roulette.
Pai Gow Poker FAQs
Is Pai Gow Poker good for beginners?
Yes. Pai Gow Poker is considered beginner-friendly because it is played at a slower pace and features frequent pushes, which reduce volatility compared to many other casino games.
What happens if my two-card hand is stronger than my five-card hand?
If your front (two-card) hand is stronger than your back (five-card) hand, it is considered a foul and results in an automatic loss.
What is the house edge in Pai Gow Poker?
With basic strategy and a standard 5% commission, the house edge in Pai Gow Poker is typically around 2.5% to 2.8%.
What is a push in Pai Gow Poker?
A push occurs when one hand wins and the other loses, or when specific ties occur, resulting in your wager being returned instead of lost.
Does the Joker act as a full wild card?
No. In Pai Gow Poker, the Joker can only be used as an Ace or to complete a straight or flush.
Can I play Pai Gow Poker in a live casino?
Yes. Pai Gow Poker is available in many live casino formats where real dealers manage the game in real time.
Summary: Pai Gow Poker is a low-volatility casino table game where players split seven cards into two hands and compete against the dealer. Frequent pushes and strategic hand-setting make it attractive to beginners and patience-focused players.
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Pai Gow poker is definitely a fun game for beginners, and one of the great things about playing at an online casino is that you can practice fo fun before diving into real money games.
When you are ready to play for real, be sure to check for any and all online casino bonuses and promotions, and explore our Sports Betting Guide if you want to understand wagering strategies across different betting formats.
If you plan to fund your account with crypto, you can also review how using Bitcoin at online sportsbooks and casinos works before making your first deposit.
Ready to Try Pai Gow Poker?
Practice the hand-setting flow, keep your hands balanced, and use bonuses and promotions to stretch your bankroll before you ramp up your stakes.
Play Pai Gow Poker OnlinePlay slower, push more, and learn faster with a beginner-friendly table game experience.
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- Since 2008, D.S. Williamson has written about sports and sports handicapping. His philosophy is value-based, meaning stats and other handicapping factors are only worth something in comparison to wagering odds. He believes money management and making value-based wagers is the single more important factor that distinguishes successful sports bettors from non-successful sports bettors.
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