Skip to main content

How to Play Pai Gow

Rachel Elam | August 21, 2020 | Updated on: August 21st, 2020

how to play pai gow pokerLearning how to play pai gow can be a bit tricky because you need to understand the fundamentals of the game first. Pai Gow is a low-risk game, and it is played against the banker. The game is played with a 52-card deck with a joker card, and the rules are fairly easy to follow.

Six players can take part in the game together with the dealer. But you can also play alone against the RNG acting as the dealer at an online casino. The objective is to beat the banker with the dealt cards.

This is not all there is to know about how to play pai gow. If you want a step by step guide on how to play pai gow and win continue reading our guide below. We have also included the best casinos to play the game for real money on the internet.

Play Pai Gow Poker Online

1
 
cafe casino
$5500 Bonus
7.9
Fully filled star Fully filled star Fully filled star Fully filled star Unfilled star
$5,500 BONUS
Play Now Cafe Casino
Rating: 4/5
List item
  • 24/7 live chat and telephone customer service
List item
  • Play on any mobile and desktop device
List item
  • Bitcoin supported
2
 
wild casino
$5000 Bonus
9.8
Fully filled star Fully filled star Fully filled star Fully filled star Fully filled star
$5,000 BONUS
Play Now Wild Casino
Rating: 4/5
Our Top Choice
List item
  • 90% Cost coverage, no annual limit
List item
  • Easy, straightforward claims process
List item
  • No annual or lifetime limits
3
 
High Country Casino
$5000 Bonus
8.2
Fully filled star Fully filled star Fully filled star Fully filled star Unfilled star
$5,000 BONUS
Play Now High Country
Rating: 5/5
List item
  • Great selection of casino games
List item
  • Wide variety and selection of bonuses
List item
  • All licensed vets are covered
4
 
Vegas Aces
$5000 Bonus
7.6
Fully filled star Fully filled star Fully filled star Fully filled star Unfilled star
$5000 BONUS
Play Now Vegas Aces
Rating: 5/5
List item
  • 24/7 customer support available
List item
  • SSL encryption
List item
  • Proven fair by TST
5
 
Lucky hippo casino
$3000 Bonus
9.4
Fully filled star Fully filled star Fully filled star Fully filled star Half-filled star
$3,000 BONUS
Play Now Lucky Hippo Casino
Rating: 4/5
List item
  • Up to 90% reimbursement
List item
  • VetConnect™ 24/7 helpline
List item
  • Save 40% for eligible multiple bets
6
 
sun palace casino
$10000 Bonus
7.1
Fully filled star Fully filled star Fully filled star Half-filled star Unfilled star
$10,000 BONUS
Play Now Sun Palace
Rating: 4/5
List item
  • Great range of RTG slot machines.
List item
  • Reliable and experienced gaming operator.
List item
  • Networked RTG progressive jackpots.

How to Play Pai Gow Poker and Win

As we have mentioned, a 52-card deck is used to play the pai gow. One joker card is included where players will create two poker hands with the cards, which will be dealt with by the dealer. Follow the step by step guide below on how to play pai gow poker online.

1. Rules

The objective of the game is to make two hands that will beat the banker’s hand. You will be dealt seven cards that you will use to make a five-card hand known as the high hand and a two-card hand known as the low hand.

The hand rankings are based on the traditional poker hands. What’s more, the five-card hand has to be higher than the two-card hand. You win by having both hands is better than the banker’s hand.

2. How to Deal Pai Gow Poker

The dealer will shuffle the cards and deal seven face-down piles that has seven cards. The cards will be for the players each and the dealer with four extra cards that will be unused. They will be placed in the discarded pile.

Each of the player’s seats will be numbered from one to seven, including the banker. A number will be randomly chosen to decide who will get the cards first. The cards will be handed out counter-clockwise.

3. Arranging Your Hand

You will have to arrange your cards into the two and five-card hands. The two-card hand is made with pairs. For the five-card hand, the standard poker rankings will apply. The joker will be used to complete a straight or a flush. If that does not apply then, the joker will be an ace.

4. Pai Gow Showdown

Once you have made your hands, you will then place the two-card hand in front of the five-card hand, placing the five-card hand at the back. If you happen to place the cards incorrectly, the hand is fouled. It will either reset following the house rules or be forfeited.

5. Deciding Who Wins

All the players will compare their hands to the banker’s hand. If the player’s hand beats the banker’s hand, they win. When the banker’s hand beats the player, the player loses. In case there is a tie, then the banker wins.

how to play pai gow and win

How to Play Pai Gow Poker Online

We have put together a list of the best casinos where you can play poker online. They offer great bonuses and promotions for your real money deposits. However, if you are still hesitant, you can play pai gow for free online before risking any money to learn to play the game. Once you are sure that you can risk money, you can play at any of the recommended casinos.

More Related Guides