Pai Gow Poker Basic Strategy

Here's your basic strategy in pai gow poker. Using basic strategy lowers the house edge from 2.5% to roughly even money. The secret is to play house way for optimal plays for your hands.

If you don't have a pair in your hand here's what you should do. You should use your highest card (whatever it is) in your five-card hand. The next two highest cards are to be used as your two-card hand.

If you only have one pair in your hand, use that pair on the five-card hand. The next highest cards are used for your two-card hand.

If you have a couple of pairs here's what you do. Check if one of your pairs is an Ace. If that is the case then you should split your pairs to your two hands. The same also works if you have a pair of face cards and another pairs of Six or even higher. If both your pairs are Sixes or lower then just play both in your five-card hand. If ever you have a single Ace and any other pairs in your hand, then use the Ace in your two-card hand and your pairs for the five-card hand.

What if you have three pairs? Use the highest pair for your two-card hand and the rest for your five-card hand.

A Three of a Kind should be played in your five-card hand. But if you have three Aces, split them on both your hands. If you have a couple of three of a kinds use the lowest for the five-card hand and the rest are to be spread through both your hands.

A Straight should be used for the five-card hand. But if you have a pair or two then just follow the basic strategy for pairs.

A Flush also remains with the five-card hand. But if your Flush comes with a Pair, then you should follow the basic strategy for pairs. But if you have both a Flush and a Straight without a Pair then just play what's best for the two-card hand.

The strategy for a Full House in Pai Gow Poker is to split it with the following exception: you have a pair of Two's and a King or Ace.

If you have a Four of a Kind that ranks between two to six, use it for your five-card hand. Split if it ranks seven to ten except for an Ace and face card combination for the two-card hand. If it ranks to Jacks and above, split it, except if there is a second Seven pair (or even higher) for your two-card hand.

A Straight Flush is for the five-card hand. But if you can use a face card for the two-card hand then play it as a Straight or a Flush.

A Royal Flush is generally used for your five-card hand, but if you have an Ace and King combo or a Pair then use those cards for the two-card hand and just play a Straight or Flush.

Split your Five Aces on both hands except if you have a pair of Kings for use with your two-card hand.

By using this basic strategy in Pai Gow Poker, players can reduce the house edge and play their hands optimally. This is the secret to play smart in this game.