Pai Gow Poker - The Game Rules

We will discuss here the rules of pai gow poker. If you are already familiar with other poker variations, understanding the hands and hand rankings will be easier. The good thing about this game is that it presents you with certain twists in the game's playing format. We recommend that you understand the rules first before trying a few games and test your skills.

In this game players try to beat the banker, which is quite similar to blackjack. The game uses a 52-deck card and one joker. The game is played on a table for six players and one dealer. The role of banker can be taken by one of the players or a casino's dealer. Usually, a white plastic square is passed around to determine who takes the role of banker. At times, this role is offered to players and players have the choice to accept or decline. The dealer will take the role of banker in turn as the game progresses.

The dealer will still deal cards for seven people even though there are fewer players at the table. Each player plays a separate game against the banker having been dealt seven cards to make two winning hands. The first hand will have five cards, which called the high hand, while the second hand is made up of two cards, which is known as the low hand. The cards are dealt face down in this game. The banker can be any of the six players or the dealer.

All players, including the dealer, will use traditional poker hands to determine which hand ranks higher. The only exception to the hand ranking is an Ace, Two, Three, Four, Five card combination that ranks as the second highest straight. The high hand that you made is supposed to be higher than your low hand. When players set the cards, the two-card hand will go on top while the other hand will go to the bottom.

The betting positions will be assigned from numbers one to seven. This depends on who gets to play the role of banker. The pecking order will move counter-clockwise among the players on the Pai Gow Poker table. Take note that there is no universal rule when figuring out the betting positions in this game. One common method you'll find that is used to determine this is by using dice.

After the bets are placed the players then arrange their cards. After all players have set their cards, the dealer then turns his own cards over and sets his hand face up. Then all hands (starting with the banker) will be turned over for viewing.

If both player hands win against the banker the player wins. If only one hand wins, a push is declared. In case of a copy then the banker wins.

We recommend all players to take time to review these rules. It will be a good idea to practice a few hands at the free play page to help you remember all that you've learned so far.