If you are looking for a slow-paced, highly strategic game with a low house edge, Pai Gow Poker is the perfect choice.

The game is famous for its incredibly high number of ‘pushes’ (ties), meaning your bankroll will last a very long time.

The Basic Rules of Pai Gow Poker

The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus one single Joker which acts as a semi-wild card.

Your objective is to separate your seven cards into two distinct hands: a five-card ‘high’ hand and a two-card ‘low’ hand.

• The dealer must set their hand according to a strict set of casino rules called the ‘House Way’
• If you are confused, you can always ask the dealer to set your hand according to the House Way for you
• Because tying is so common, the casino takes a 5% commission on all winning bets to maintain their house edge

Basic Strategy for Setting Your Cards

The strategy in Pai Gow revolves entirely around making your two-card hand as strong as legally possible without fouling.

If you are dealt two pairs, the general rule is to split them, putting the smaller pair in your two-card hand.

By learning how to balance your high and low hands perfectly, you can enjoy one of the best table games in the casino.