If you wander through the table games section of any major casino, you will eventually discover the slow, methodical game of Pai Gow Poker.
While the initial concept of splitting cards seems complex, the mathematical strategy is surprisingly straightforward once you grasp the fundamental rules.
How to Set Your Hands in Pai Gow
Your sole objective is to split these seven cards into two separate, distinct poker hands: a five-card hand and a two-card hand.
The most critical, unbreakable rule of the game is that your five-card hand must mathematically rank higher than your two-card hand.
You must win both the High and Low hands against the dealer to win your bet
If you win one hand and lose the other, the entire round is a "push" (tie)
If you lose both hands to the dealer, the casino takes your entire wager
How the Dealer Plays Their Cards
This rigidly defined set of rules is universally known across the industry as the "House Way."
The dealer will happily arrange your hand exactly according to the mathematical guidelines of the House Way.
The Most Relaxing Game in the Casino
The defining characteristic of Pai Gow Poker is its incredibly slow, relaxed, and highly sociable pace of play.
If you want to experience the thrill of a table game without the intense stress of rapid bankroll swings, Pai Gow is the perfect choice.
Game Metric
Pai Gow Poker
Blackjack
Pace of Play
Very Slow (~30 hands/hour)
Fast (~70 hands/hour)
Bankroll Swings
Very Low (Frequent Pushes)
Medium to High
Pai Gow Poker beautifully combines the intricate hand rankings of traditional poker with a forgiving, highly social casino structure.
