Walking through the table games section, you will often see players relaxed and chatting around the Pai Gow Poker table.

It is the ideal game for players who want to sit, enjoy free drinks, and play for hours without risking massive losses.

Understanding the Deal and the Rules

After placing your bet, the dealer distributes exactly seven cards to every player and to themselves.

You must arrange your cards into a five-card back hand and a two-card front hand, following traditional poker rankings.

• 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

The Smartest Way to Play Pai Gow

The most common mistake beginners make is ignoring their two-card hand, resulting in endless pushes instead of wins.

When dealt a hand with no pairs (a ‘Pai Gow’), you put your highest card in the back and your next two highest in the front.

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