What Is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker blends the ancient Chinese domino game of Pai Gow with classic poker hand rankings. Introduced in the 1980s, it has become a staple in casinos worldwide, including Casino de Genting in Malaysia. Also known as Double-Hand Poker, the game pits players against the Banker rather than each other.
Video: "How to play Pai Gow Poker in under a minute" — a quick visual guide.
The game is played with a 53-card deck (a standard 52-card deck plus one Joker). Because players collectively win or lose against the Banker's hands, Pai Gow Poker fosters a social, low-volatility atmosphere where pushes (ties) are common.
How to Play (Step-by-Step)
Playing Pai Gow Poker involves a series of straightforward steps. Here is how a typical round unfolds:
- Place Bets: Players place their wagers in the betting circle before the cards are dealt.
- The Deal: The dealer shuffles the 53-card deck and deals seven face-down cards to each of the seven positions (six players plus the dealer).
- Setting Your Hands: You must split your seven cards into two poker hands: a five-card "High Hand" and a two-card "Low Hand".
- The Golden Rule: Your High Hand must outrank your Low Hand. If you set them incorrectly, it is a "foul" and you automatically lose.
- Dealer's Turn: The dealer reveals their cards and sets them according to a strict set of casino rules known as the "House Way".
- Showdown: Your High Hand is compared to the dealer's High Hand, and your Low Hand to the dealer's Low Hand.
Outcomes:
- Win both hands: You win even money (minus a 5% commission).
- Win one, lose one: It's a "Push" (your bet is returned).
- Lose both hands: You lose your wager.
- Tie a hand ("Copy"): The Banker wins all exact ties.
Hand Rankings & The Joker
Pai Gow Poker follows traditional poker hand rankings with one major exception: the inclusion of the Joker. The Joker acts as a "bug" — it can only be used as an Ace, or to complete a Straight, Flush, or Straight Flush.
Because of the Joker, Five Aces (four Aces plus the Joker) is the highest possible hand, beating a Royal Flush.
| Ranking | Hand | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Five Aces | Four Aces + Joker |
| 2 | Royal Flush | A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit |
| 3 | Straight Flush | Five consecutive cards of the same suit |
| 4 | Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank |
| 5 | Full House | Three of a Kind + One Pair |
| 6 | Flush | Five cards of the same suit |
| 7 | Straight | Five consecutive cards of mixed suits |
| 8 | Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank |
| 9 | Two Pair | Two different pairs |
| 10 | One Pair | One pair of cards |
| 11 | High Card | Highest value card |
Setting Your Hands: Strategy Guide
The core strategy in Pai Gow Poker is balancing your two hands. You want your two-card Low Hand to be as strong as possible without making it stronger than your five-card High Hand.
No Pair
Place your highest card in your High Hand, and your next two highest cards in your Low Hand.
One Pair
Keep the pair in your High Hand, and place your two highest remaining cards in your Low Hand.
Two Pair
This is the most complex decision. The general rule is to split the pairs (one in High, one in Low) if they are high pairs (e.g., Aces and 8s). If they are low pairs (e.g., 4s and 5s), keep them together in the High Hand and play your two highest remaining cards in the Low Hand.
Three of a Kind
Always keep them together in the High Hand, unless you have three Aces. If you have three Aces, put a pair of Aces in the High Hand and one Ace in the Low Hand.
Full House
Always split a Full House. Put the Three of a Kind in your High Hand and the Pair in your Low Hand.
The House Way Explained
The "House Way" is the predetermined set of rules the dealer must follow when setting their hand. It removes all decision-making from the dealer. If you are ever unsure how to set your hand, you can ask the dealer to set it the House Way for you.
While the House Way is mathematically sound, optimal player strategy sometimes deviates slightly from it to maximize the chances of winning both hands rather than just pushing.
Payouts & House Edge
The main bet in Pai Gow Poker pays 1:1, but the casino takes a 5% commission on all winning bets. This commission, combined with the rule that the Banker wins all "copies" (ties), gives the house its edge.
| Bet Type | Payout | House Edge |
|---|---|---|
| Main Bet (Win) | 1:1 (minus 5% commission) | ~2.84% |
| Fortune Bonus (Side Bet) | Varies (up to 8,000:1) | ~7.7% |
| Emperor's Challenge | Varies | ~5% - 8% |
Note: Side bets offer exciting payouts but come with a significantly higher house edge. Play them sparingly.
Banker Strategy
In many casinos, players are offered the chance to act as the Banker. When you are the Banker, you play against all other players at the table. The main advantage of being the Banker is that you win all "copies" (ties).
If you have the bankroll to cover the bets of all other players, you should always accept the Banker position. It reduces the house edge to roughly 1.46%.
Verdict
Pai Gow Poker is an excellent choice for players in Malaysia looking for a relaxed, low-volatility casino experience. With a high rate of pushes, your bankroll will last much longer than in games like Baccarat or Blackjack.
By mastering hand rankings, understanding how to utilize the Joker, and applying basic splitting strategies, you can minimize the house edge and enjoy hours of strategic gameplay.