Pai Gow Poker Guide: Rules & Strategy for Beginners
Pai Gow Poker is one of the most entertaining and social casino games, combining elements of traditional poker with ancient Chinese Pai Gow tiles. While it can appear tricky to new players, it's surprisingly easy to learn—and even easier to enjoy.
In this comprehensive beginner's guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started playing Pai Gow Poker online or in a live casino. From the rules and hand rankings to strategy tips and where to play for free, we've got you covered.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- What is Pai Gow Poker?
- Pai Gow Poker Rules
- Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings
- Pai Gow Poker Side Bets
- Pai Gow Poker Strategy Tips
- Where to Play Pai Gow Poker Online for Free
What is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is a poker variant based on the ancient Chinese domino game, Pai Gow. It was invented in 1985 by Sam Torosian at the Bell Card Club in California, offering a new twist to traditional poker games.
Unlike most poker games where players compete against each other, in Pai Gow Poker you play against the banker (usually the dealer). The social nature of the game and its relatively low house edge (around 2.5%-2.7%) make it a popular choice for casual and recreational players.
"Pai Gow roughly translates to 'Make Nine' in Chinese."
Despite being a casino game, Pai Gow Poker fosters a team-like atmosphere. All players are aiming to beat the dealer, and many hands end in a push, allowing for longer and more enjoyable play sessions.
Pai Gow Poker Rules
Pai Gow Poker is played with a 53-card deck (a standard 52-card deck plus one Joker). The Joker acts as an ace unless it can complete a straight or flush.
Each player (including the banker) receives seven cards and must create two separate poker hands:
A five-card High Hand
A two-card Low Hand
Important: The High Hand must always rank higher than the Low Hand. Setting your hands incorrectly (called a foul) results in an automatic loss.
After all players have set their hands, the dealer reveals the house's hand. Outcomes are then decided:
- Win: Both your hands beat the dealer's.
- Push: One hand wins, one loses.
- Loss: Both your hands lose or tie with the dealer’s.
Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings
Pai Gow Poker uses standard poker hand rankings with a few key differences:
The Joker can be used as an ace or to complete a straight/flush.
Five Aces (with the Joker) is the highest hand, beating even a Royal Flush.
Here are all the hand rankings from strongest to weakest:
- Five Aces – five aces including the joker
- Royal Flush — five cards of the same suit, ranked ace through ten; e.g., A♣K♣Q♣J♣10♣
- Straight Flush — five cards of the same suit and consecutively ranked; e.g., 9♦8♦7♦6♦5♦
- Four of a Kind — four cards of the same rank; e.g., J♣J♥J♦J♠6♥
- Full House — three cards of the same rank and two more cards of the same rank; e.g., 6♦6♠6♣3♥3♦
- Flush — any five cards of the same suit; e.g., A♣10♣8♣6♣5♣
- Straight — any five cards consecutively ranked; e.g., J♣10♠9♥8♥7♦
- Three of a Kind — three cards of the same rank; e.g., 7♠7♦7♣Q♠2♥
- Two Pair — two cards of the same rank and two more cards of the same rank; e.g., K♣K♦10♠10♣6♥
- One Pair — two cards of the same rank; e.g., 9♥9♣J♥4♣3♠
- High Card — five unmatched cards; e.g., A♠Q♥9♥6♣4♦ would be called "ace-high"
Pai Gow Poker Side Bets
Many casinos offer optional side bets with enticing payouts. One of the most popular is the Fortune Pai Gow side bet, which pays based on the value of all seven cards, not just the two hands you create.
Examples of common side bets:
- Fortune Bonus
- Emperor’s Challenge
- Progressive Jackpot
- Lucky 8’s
While fun, these side bets carry a higher house edge and should be approached with caution.
Pai Gow Poker Strategy Tips
Winning at Pai Gow Poker often comes down to how well you set your two hands. Here are some beginner tips to help you get started:
Balance Both Hands
Never place your strongest cards in just one hand. The goal is to make both hands strong enough to beat the dealer’s. Your five-card hand should always be stronger than the two-card hand.
Use the House Way
Not sure how to set your hands? Ask the dealer for the “House Way,” a method casinos use to set hands optimally. Online versions often include an automatic “House Way” option too.
Avoid Fouling
A foul hand (where the two-card hand beats the five-card hand) is an instant loss. Always double-check your hands before finalizing.
Sample Strategy: Which is Better?
You’re dealt: 8♦8♣9♦9♠10♠J♣Q♥
Option A:
High Hand: Q♥J♣10♠9♠8♦ (Straight)
Low Hand: 9♦8♣ (No Pair)
Option B:
High Hand: 9♦9♠10♠J♣Q♥ (Pair of Nines)
Low Hand: 8♦8♣ (Pair of Eights)
Option B is stronger. It gives both hands a real chance to beat the dealer, instead of settling for a likely push.
Where to Play Pai Gow Poker Online for Free
New to Pai Gow? Playing for free is the best way to learn the ropes without risking your bankroll. Practice hands, try different strategies, and master hand setting at your own pace.
Pai Gow Poker Guide FAQs
What is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is a casino card game that blends traditional poker with the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow. Players create two poker hands from seven cards to compete against the dealer, not each other.
How is Pai Gow Poker different from regular poker?
In Pai Gow Poker, you play against the dealer instead of other players. You must split your seven cards into a five-card "High Hand" and a two-card "Low Hand," with the High Hand ranking higher.
What happens if I set my hands incorrectly?
Setting your Low Hand higher than your High Hand is called a "foul" and results in an automatic loss for that round.
What are the basic rules of Pai Gow Poker?
You receive seven cards and must split them into a five-card and a two-card hand. Your goal is to beat both of the dealer's hands. Winning both means a win, splitting one each is a push, and losing both is a loss.
What is the role of the Joker in Pai Gow Poker?
The Joker can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or flush in your five-card hand.
What is the strongest hand in Pai Gow Poker?
The strongest hand is Five Aces, which includes the four aces plus the Joker.
Are there side bets in Pai Gow Poker?
Yes, many casinos offer side bets like Fortune Bonus, Emperor’s Challenge, Progressive Jackpot, and Lucky 8’s. These bets can offer higher payouts but usually come with a higher house edge.
How do I improve at Pai Gow Poker?
Focus on setting balanced hands, use the “House Way” if you’re unsure, and always double-check to avoid fouling. Practice is key to learning strategy.
Can I play Pai Gow Poker online for free?
Absolutely. Many online casinos and platforms offer free Pai Gow Poker games, which are great for learning the game and refining your strategy without risking money.
What is the “House Way” in Pai Gow Poker?
The "House Way" is a specific method casinos use to set their hands optimally. Players can ask the dealer or use this method online for guidance when setting their hands.