Playing Games of Pai Gow Poker Online

Pai Gow Poker is a combination of the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow and the classic game of poker. At online casinos, it is generally a single-player poker game where you play against a computer dealer. To start playing Pai Gow online, choose one of the poker sites banners on this page.

Pai Gow Poker Rules

The following are basic Pai Gow Poker rules for playing games at most online casinos. You should also read the casino's rules for each game you will play.

Pai Gow Poker is played with a 53 card deck, which includes a Joker. The Joker can only be used as an Ace or to complete a Straight or Flush.

The game is one-to-one: the player (or players) plays against the "banker", each competing to make the best possible hand. Pai gow poker has a slower pace than most casino games and there are many ties, so you can usually play the game for longer than other poker games with the same bankroll.

Each player is dealt seven cards. The cards are arranged into two hands: a two-card hand and a five-card hand. Rankings are like classic poker. The highest two-card hand is a pair of Aces and the highest five-card hand is a Royal Flush.

The five-card hand must be higher than the two-card hand. For example: if the two-card hand is a pair of fours, the five-card hand must contain a pair of fives or better.

The object of the game is for the player to have both hands ranking higher than those of the banker. If the player wins one hand but loses the other, it is a push and no money changes hands. If one hand ranks the same as the banker's hand, it is a tie, but in this case the banker wins. Winning hands are paid even money, usually less a 5% commission. Losing hands lose the amount wagered.

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