What Exactly is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker, sometimes called “double-hand poker,” is a unique casino game played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. Its roots are in the ancient Chinese domino game of Pai Gow, but it’s been adapted to poker cards, making it more familiar to Western players. The core objective is simple: you’re dealt seven cards, and your task is to divide them into two separate poker hands – a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The catch? Your five-card hand *must* rank higher than your two-card hand.
The Goal: Beat the Dealer’s Two Hands
Once you’ve set your two hands, the dealer (or the “banker” in some online versions) will do the same with their seven cards. To win, both of your hands must beat both of the dealer’s hands. If one of your hands beats the dealer’s and the other loses, it’s a “push,” and you get your bet back. If both of your hands lose, you lose your bet. Simple, right? The beauty of Pai Gow Poker lies in this push mechanic, which often extends your playing time and makes the game less volatile than many other casino offerings.
Understanding the Hand Rankings
Before we get into setting your hands, it’s crucial to understand the standard poker hand rankings. If you’re new to poker, here’s a quick refresher, from highest to lowest:
* **Royal Flush:** A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit.
* **Straight Flush:** Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
* **Four of a Kind:** Four cards of the same rank.
* **Full House:** Three of a kind and a pair.
* **Flush:** Five cards of the same suit (not in sequence).
* **Straight:** Five consecutive cards of different suits.
* **Three of a Kind:** Three cards of the same rank.
* **Two Pair:** Two different pairs.
* **One Pair:** Two cards of the same rank.
* **High Card:** If no other hand is made, the highest card determines the rank.
The Joker’s Role
In Pai Gow Poker, the joker is a semi-wild card. It can be used to complete a straight, a flush, or a straight flush. If it cannot be used to form one of these, it acts as an Ace. This adds an interesting strategic element to the game!
Two-Card Hand Rankings
For your two-card “low” hand, the rankings are much simpler:
* **One Pair:** Any pair is the highest possible two-card hand.
* **High Card:** If no pair, the hand is ranked by its highest card, then the second highest.
Remember, your five-card hand *must* be higher in rank than your two-card hand. This is the golden rule of Pai Gow Poker!
Setting Your Hands: The Art of the Split
This is where the real strategy comes in. You’ve got seven cards, and you need to make the best possible five-card high hand and two-card low hand, ensuring the high hand outranks the low hand. Here are some friendly tips to guide your decisions:
Prioritize Pairs
* **One Pair:** If you have one pair, put it in your five-card hand and use your two highest remaining cards for your low hand.
* **Two Pairs:** This is where it gets interesting.
* **Small Pair, Small Pair:** Keep both pairs in your five-card hand if your remaining three cards can form a decent low hand (e.g., A-K). If not, you might split them, putting the higher pair in your high hand and the lower pair in your low hand.
* **Big Pair, Small Pair:** Generally, put the higher pair in your five-card hand and the lower pair in your two-card hand.
* **Three Pairs:** Always put the highest pair in your two-card hand and the other two pairs in your five-card hand. This often creates two strong hands.
Handling Three of a Kind
* **Aces:** Always split three Aces, putting one Ace in your low hand and the other two in your high hand. This gives you a strong low hand and keeps a powerful pair in your high hand.
* **Kings or Queens:** Split them if you have an Ace or King to go with the single card in your low hand. Otherwise, keep them together in your five-card hand.
* **Other Ranks:** Generally, keep three of a kind together in your five-card hand, unless splitting them allows you to form a pair in your low hand.
Straights and Flushes
* **Keep Them Together:** If you have a straight or a flush, try to keep it intact in your five-card hand. These are strong hands!
* **Splitting for a Strong Low Hand:** Sometimes, you might have to break a straight or a flush to create a strong two-card hand (e.g., a pair of Aces or Kings). This is a judgment call and depends on the overall strength of your seven cards. If breaking it still leaves you with a decent five-card hand and gives you a powerful low hand, it might be worth it.
The Joker’s Strategy
* **Completing a Straight/Flush:** Always use the joker to complete a straight or a flush in your five-card hand if possible.
* **As an Ace:** If it can’t complete a straight or flush, use it as an Ace. If you have no pairs, placing the Ace (joker) in your low hand is a common strategy to give it a higher value.
The “House Way”
Most online Pai Gow Poker games offer a “House Way” button. This automatically sets your hand according to the casino’s predetermined rules, which are designed to give the house a slight edge but are generally a solid, conservative strategy. For beginners, using the “House Way” is an excellent way to learn the ropes and understand optimal hand-setting without the pressure of making complex decisions. Don’t be afraid to use it!
Practical Recommendations for Beginners
* **Start with Free Play:** Many online casinos offer free-play versions of Pai Gow Poker. This is the absolute best way to learn the rules, practice hand-setting, and get comfortable with the game without risking any real money.
* **Observe and Learn:** Pay attention to how the “House Way” splits hands. Over time, you’ll start to recognize patterns and make more informed decisions on your own.
* **Manage Your Bankroll:** Even though Pai Gow Poker has a lower house edge and frequent pushes, it’s still gambling. Set a budget for your play and stick to it. Never chase losses.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Push:** Pushes are a big part of Pai Gow Poker. They extend your playtime and mean you’re not losing money. Embrace them!
* **Have Fun:** Remember, online gambling should be an enjoyable pastime. If you’re not having fun, it’s time to take a break.