An Overview

Pai Gow is played on a blackjack-sized table consisting of up to six players and a banker. All players are against the banker which is usually the dealer. In general, the house collects a five percent commission for each winning bet.

How to Play

To begin the game, each player places a bet equal to the table minimum. The dealer then shuffles and distributes seven stacks containing seven cards regardless of the number of players. The banker shakes a cup that holds three die; this resolves which player starts. The player evaluates the dealt cards and sets them into two hands; one containing two cards and one with five.

The two card hand is moved to the front and the five card hand to the back. If both hands beat the banker’s hands, you’re the winner. If only one wins, it’s a push and you’re money is returned. If either hand displays the exact same values, it’s referred to as a copy and the banker wins. Obviously if the banker has two better hands then you lose.

Your five card hand must be of higher value than your two card hand. If you set the two card hand higher, then a foul is committed which results in an automatic loss. The banker sets their cards according to the “house way” which are specific rules that must be followed. If you’re unsure how to set your hand, ask the dealer to set it the “house way” to avoid any costly mistakes.

Pai Gow Poker is generally a slower-paced game that has many pushes. The dealer does have a slight edge due to their automatic win during a copy. With the proper strategy the game can be mastered and won long term.

Most casinos offer Pai Gow poker at many of their regular gaming tables. In order to be successful, there are a few strategies that involve selecting specific cards depending on the nature of the hand. Following this general overview will help you familiarize yourself with the basics of the game.

These guidelines will help you gain a winning edge against the house. The tips include:

• Players are in competition with the house
• There are two hands to play in Pai Gow Poker
• No cards in either hand can be switched
• You can win one hand but not the other
• Study the pay tables prior to playing

The first tip is important to remember as you’re at an automatic disadvantage when playing against the banker or house. One nice feature is that the banker role can change. Some casinos allow individual players to be the banker in the game. By assuming that role, you are acquiring the house edge giving you a better chance at winning. Also there is a five percent commission for all winnings at the table. For this reason this player role is losing popularity amongst casinos.

The second tip to remember is there are two hands played in Pai Gow Poker; the large hand and the small hand. The large hand is made up of five cards of which must contain a better poker hand than the small, two card hand. If the small hand is higher a foul is committed which is an automatic forfeit. The dealer will also be trying to make the best possible two hands.

The third tip is to realize that no cards in either of the two hands can be switched like in draw poker. This game is more similar to stud, you play what you are dealt. The fourth tip is it’s possible you can win one hand but not the other. The payout structure is based on the hand you created with the seven cards. Like all poker games, the Royal Flush is the best possible hand. So if you lose one hand and win another, you can break even at the table.

Finally, it’s vital to study the pay tables prior to playing. This will help you shape your hands to maximize profits. Pai Gow can be an exciting twist on traditional poker. By following these guidelines, you can improve your skill and decrease the house edge.

The Five Casino Games with the Lowest House Edge

1. Video Poker- Video poker machines typically carry a house advantage of two percent or less, and some poker machines go as low as half a percent. You can determine the video poker machine’s house advantage by reading the payout scale. The payout scale is typically located on top of or near the poker machine. Occasionally the scale may be listed on the interactive menu.

2. Poker Tables- The poker tables may be the best seat in the house if a player is trying to beat the house edge. This is due to the fact that in the exception of a small sum removed from each pot, the house has virtually no advantage at the poker table. House winnings are completely up to the dealer and the luck of the draw. A highly skilled poker player can eliminate the house advantage at the table.

3. Blackjack- The blackjack table is another spot in the casino with a low house edge. Most blackjack tables carry a house advantage of less then one percent. By knowing the basic blackjack strategies, a player can reduce the house edge to half a percent.

4. Acting as the Banker in Pai Gow- At first glance, acting as the banker in Pai Gow does not seem that appealing, after all you have to pay a five percent commission to the house for the spot. However, the banker in Pai Gow collects on any player he beats, and if you are good at the game, the five percent commission is well worth it.

5. Baccarat- While Baccarat has a higher house advantage then blackjack or the poker tables; it is still one of the best bets in the house. Baccarat only carries slightly more then one percent on the house edge.

By playing games with a low house advantage a player has a better chance of walking away from the casino a winner, however, no player should play a game with high stakes until they are completely familiar with the rules and strategies.