House Edge and the Pai Gow Poker House Way

pai gow poker is quite unique in many ways comparing it to other variants of poker. One of the features of this game that makes it really different is house way (i.e. the method used by the casino to play hands). There is a misconception that players automatically win over the casino by simply playing house way. Unfortunately, this isn't the exact picture since this really leaves out the casino's house edge when considering this strategy.

It is true that if players would play the game using house way then they would get some sort of optimal play since they will be playing exactly the same way a casino does (which is a formidable strategy in this poker variant). Playing your cards using house way helps you minimize any loss that may occur in the game - since that is how the casino wants to play.

House way is indeed useful for players who know it and take advantage of this strategy. The only hitch is that if players begin to say that they have the advantage over the casino or at least they are playing the game at equal odds against the casino, then they have something else coming at them.

The house edge is factor that gives the casino the advantage over players even if these Pai Gow Poker players use house way. A good definition of house edge when considering it in this poker variant is the fraction of the amount wagered at the table that the casino is bound to keep. You can be sure that the casino is earning something for every game that is played.

The house edge for this poker variant is roughly about 2.85%. This ensures the casino that it wins cash every time a game is played. This amount (or estimate amount) changes depending on the game played. Different casino games have different house edges. And different casinos will usually have house edge percentages different from other casinos.

So, let's say for a game of Baccarat, which has a 1.5% house edge, there'll be players who get up and walk away winning something. But casinos will never worry about that. The reason is that the house edge still works for a casino making money as long as games are played. In the long run, the casino still becomes very profitable.

When we deal with Pai Gow Poker and use house way to play our hands, we do get to win more but we are not guaranteed to win every time. At the most, by using house way, we minimize our losses as we play the game.