Want to learn how to play Pai Gow Poker?
Although it seems to be another variant of the game of poker, this game also has a lot of details that are based on Chinese culture. To be able to learn how to play this game very well, it is important that each player learn the game individually.
You need to know the history of the game, the rules, which are the main game strategies, and also to be able to cope to increase your winning chances.
And since all this information could have been provided only with the help of an elaborate article, we thought it was time to write a new article that talks about this game itself.
What is Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker is a poker game that manages to combine two different styles of poker and create an incredible atmosphere at the table where both Chinese culture enthusiasts and those who appreciate American poker can have fun.
If you are passionate about online gambling India, you can find this game in online casinos. Being a poker game, the rules are quite similar to those of classic poker. Players will be entitled to use a pack of 52 cards, where the Joker has a different function.
In Pai Gow Poker, the joker is the only one and can be used to substitute an Ace card or to complete winning combinations when needed.
You will notice that everything is similar, but the fundamental difference between the two games is given by the Joker card, which can replace other cards, and the fact that each player uses two different playing hands.
In the Pai Gow Poker game, each player has the right to use two different hands, and the winning one is the bigger one.
Another fundamental difference between Pai Gow Poker and classic poker games is that here, a very good hand is four Aces. But there is an even better card, and that is 5 Aces because you can have 4 Aces and a Joker.
How to play the game
Pai Gow Poker is a fairly simple game. Once you understand the rules, the best way to improve your game is to play as much as possible. At the beginning of the round, each player receives 7 cards.
With these seven cards, each player must make 2 different combinations of cards. The first combination of cards must contain 2 cards, and the second combination must contain 5 cards.
The main combination of cards is the 5 because it is probably the one that is considered to win the round. Each player will have to show their cards. Moreover, they will have to show the cards by comparing them with the banker’s cards.
Each player shows their cards in turn, and the most important aspect of this process is for each player to show the cards one at a time. The order is usually counterclockwise.
How to Win
The easiest way to win is to have the best combination of cards in the game. If you are a beginner, what interests you now is creating winning combinations that have a very good chance of winning.
Here are the biggest combinations of cards you need to make with the 5 cards: A-A-A-A-J, 10-J-Q-K-A, 4-5-6-7-8, same suit in order, A-A-A-A-7, K-K-K-9-9, a full house. With these combinations, you will have a very good chance of winning.
Then you will be able to win with a flush, straight flush, three of a kind, two pairs, one pair, or high card.
Another way you can stay in control of the game is to know very well what your chances of winning are. Pai Gow Poker is still a casino game, and the odds are not on the players’ side.
According to statistics, the banker’s edge is 29.9%, while the player has only a 28.6% chance of winning. Moreover, each time the player wins, the casino will also receive a payout commission. It can be 5%, 6%, etc.
Players need to be very careful when playing Pai Gow poker, as several consecutive winning rounds can help you go home in profit.
Tips & Tricks
If you look at the normal game of poker, certain strategies involve different betting styles. But at Pai Gow Poker, you don’t have a lot of bets to make. The only bet you make is at the beginning of the round.
But there are some strategies you can apply when arranging the cards. Do you remember those 5 card combinations and the 2 card combinations? If you want to be a winner, both of your hands will have to be winners.
So you shouldn’t use the 7 cards to build a combination of 5 winning cards. You have to have two equally strong combinations. If you win with one, but you lose with the other, it is in vain.
Strategies
- If you can’t get a combination like a straight flush, a full house, or a simple flush, try to make the most of the cards you have and create the best 5-card combination possible.
- Most of the time, when you have a combination of two pairs, you will have to split.
Conclusion
Pai Gow Poker is one of the most popular casino games in both Chinese and American culture. If you have never tried it, we recommend that you start with small bets to learn how to play the game. Good luck!