A complete Pai Gow Poker guide explaining how the game works, rules, hand rankings, dealer qualification, push frequency, and gameplay flow. Perfect for beginners learning this popular casino table game.
Introduction
Pai Gow Poker is a casino table game based on a combination of traditional Chinese Pai Gow and American poker. Played with a 52-card deck plus one joker, the game is slow-paced, strategic, and known for having a high number of pushes. Because of its low volatility and unique “two-hand” structure, Pai Gow Poker is one of the most player-friendly games in the casino.
This guide explains the full Pai Gow Poker rules, how to set hands correctly, how the joker works, how outcomes are determined, and why pushes are so common. After reading, you’ll fully understand what to expect at the table and how the game operates step by step.
What Is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker (also known as Double-Hand Poker) is played with:
- 52-card deck
- 1 joker
- 6 players + dealer maximum (but you only compete against the dealer)
Each player receives seven cards and must split them into:
- High Hand → a five-card poker hand
- Low Hand → a two-card poker hand
Both hands are compared separately against the dealer’s hands.
Pai Gow Poker: How the Game Works
1. Placing the Bet
Each round starts with the player making a single wager.
2. Dealing the Cards
The dealer gives each player seven cards face down and takes seven cards for themselves.
3. Setting the Hands
Players must arrange:
- One 5-card hand (high hand)
- One 2-card hand (low hand)
Important rule:
The high hand must always be stronger than the low hand.
If a player sets them incorrectly (called a «foul hand»), the hand is automatically corrected according to the casino’s “House Way”.
4. Dealer Sets Hands
The dealer arranges their cards strictly according to House Way, a predefined set of rules that ensures consistent play.
5. Comparing Hands
Outcomes are determined by comparing both hands:
- If both player hands beat the dealer → player wins
- If both player hands lose → dealer wins
- If one wins and one loses → push
- If any hand is tied → tie goes to the dealer
Pushes are extremely common — often over 40% of all rounds.
How the Joker Works in Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker uses a semi-wild joker with specific rules.
The Joker can act as:
- An Ace, or
- A card to complete a Straight,
- A card to complete a Flush,
- A card to complete a Straight Flush
It cannot serve as a fully wild card for any other hand type.
Hand Rankings in Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow Poker uses standard poker hand rankings for the five-card high hand:
| Rank | Description |
|---|---|
| Royal Flush | A-K-Q-J-10 suited |
| Straight Flush | Five consecutive suited cards |
| Four of a Kind | Four cards of the same rank |
| Full House | Three of a kind + a pair |
| Flush | Five cards of the same suit |
| Straight | Five consecutive cards |
| Three of a Kind | Three cards of the same rank |
| Two Pair | Two distinct pairs |
| One Pair | Two cards of the same rank |
| High Card | Highest individual card |
Two-Card Hand Rankings
Only two types exist:
- Pair
- High card combination
Example:
- Pair of 8s beats Ace-King
- Ace-King beats Ace-Queen
House Way (Dealer Rules) Explained
Although each casino’s House Way may vary slightly, the general principles are consistent:
- Always place the best possible five-card hand in the high hand
- Set the best possible two-card hand without violating the rule that the high hand must be stronger
- When holding two pairs or straights/flushes, the House Way determines when to split them
Players are not required to follow House Way, but understanding it helps avoid fouling a hand.
Pai Gow Poker Outcomes and Payouts
Standard Payout
- Winning wager pays 1:1
- Losing wager forfeits the bet
- Push returns the original bet
Commission (Traditional Tables)
Traditional Pai Gow Poker charges a 5% commission on winning wagers.
Some modern casinos and online versions have removed the commission entirely.
Probability and Push Frequency
Pai Gow Poker is known for being a low-risk game.
Approximate statistics:
- Pushes: ~41–45% of all rounds
- Dealer wins: ~30%
- Player wins: ~25–28%
This high push frequency is the main reason players enjoy long, steady gameplay.
Why Pai Gow Poker Is Popular
Players choose Pai Gow Poker because:
- Low volatility and long playing sessions
- Easy to understand
- High push rate reduces bankroll swings
- Relaxed pace compared to blackjack or baccarat
- Joker mechanics add variety
- Offers player choice in hand setting
The mixture of poker familiarity and casino-style structure makes it beginner-friendly yet engaging for experienced players.
FAQ
Is Pai Gow Poker the same as traditional Pai Gow?
No. Traditional Pai Gow uses Chinese tiles; Pai Gow Poker uses playing cards.
What happens if the dealer and player tie?
Ties go to the dealer.
Can the low hand ever be stronger than the high hand?
No. That is considered a foul hand.
Is the joker a fully wild card?
No. It is only semi-wild and primarily acts as an Ace or a straight/flush completer.
Why are there so many pushes in Pai Gow Poker?
Because two hands must be compared simultaneously, and split outcomes are extremely common.