Introduction to Pai Gow
Pai Gow is a popular casino card game that originated in China and is now played in casinos all over the world. It is played with a set of tiles or with a deck of cards, depending on the casino. The game is easy to learn and offers players a chance to win big payouts. In this article, we will discuss the basics of Pai Gow, the rules of the game, and some tips for winning.
The Object of Pai Gow
The object of Pai Gow is to create two poker hands, one of five cards and one of two cards, that beat the dealer's two hands. The five-card hand is called the "high hand" or "back hand," while the two-card hand is called the "low hand" or "front hand." The hands must be arranged so that the five-card hand has a higher value than the two-card hand.
The Rules of Pai Gow
The game begins with each player placing a bet. The dealer then deals seven cards to each player, including themselves. The players then arrange their cards into a five-card hand and a two-card hand.
Once all the players have arranged their hands, the dealer will compare their two hands to the player's two hands. If both the player's hands are higher than the dealer's hands, the player wins. If both the dealer's hands are higher, the player loses. If one hand is higher and one hand is lower, it is a push and the player keeps their bet.
The Value of Hands in Pai Gow
The value of hands in Pai Gow is similar to that of traditional poker, with a few exceptions. In Pai Gow, the highest possible hand is five aces, followed by a royal flush, straight flush, four of a kind, full house, flush, straight, three of a kind, two pairs, and one pair. The two-card hand can only be a pair or high card.
Pai Gow Strategy
One of the best strategies for winning at Pai Gow is to arrange your hands in a way that maximizes your chances of winning both hands. For example, if you are dealt a pair of aces and a pair of kings, it is best to put the aces in the five-card hand and the kings in the two-card hand. This increases your chances of winning both hands.
Another strategy is to pay attention to the dealer's hands. If the dealer's hands are weak, it is best to play conservatively and focus on winning one hand. If the dealer's hands are strong, it is best to try to win both hands.
Pai Gow Variations
There are several variations of Pai Gow, including Pai Gow Tiles, Pai Gow Poker, and Fortune Pai Gow. Pai Gow Tiles is played with a set of tiles instead of cards, while Pai Gow Poker is played with a deck of cards. Fortune Pai Gow offers players the chance to win bonus payouts based on the value of their hands.
Conclusion
Pai Gow is a fun and exciting casino card game that offers players a chance to win big payouts. Whether you are playing with tiles or cards, the rules of the game are easy to learn and the strategies for winning are simple to master. With a little practice and a bit of luck, you can become a Pai Gow champion in no time!
