Terms Used in Pai Gow Poker

There is a difference in terminology used in pai gow poker as opposed to other poker variants. Though, yes, there are indeed similarities among the words and terms used, it is still necessary to understand the terms used in this game. Those who read up on this poker variant will definitely save time (not to mention the frustration) when it comes to learning the game.

Here are the different terms we'll encounter along the way. Some of these you might already be familiar with if you've got some previous experience with other poker variants. Understanding the language of the game actually helps in understanding the game itself.

If both the dealer and the banker get the same or identical hands then this is called a Copy. The dealer will always get a Copy, which will come as a five-card hand, or a two-card hand, or even both.

All players have the option to play a second hand, which is called a Dragon. A Dragon is considered in this game as a bonus bet. A Dragon can be offered in turn to every player on the table as an added option. It can also work as a community hand.

When we say House, we refer to the dealer (and the rest of the casino management as well).

An option given to players is to be partners with the house at being the bank. This option is called Co-banking. Unfortunately, this option is not available in all casinos.

In Pai Gow Poker, the joker comes in handy. This card functions in this game as some sort of a "wild card" that takes on different values. Jokers can be used on a Straight, Flush, or Straight Flush. Jokers automatically take the role of an Ace if not used in the mentioned hands.

Wild Card is the term used for a card that takes on any value in order to complete any given hand.

House Way is the term used to refer to the strategy used all dealers in this poker variant when playing their hands.

Here's a working definition for High Card. If there isn't a player who has even a pair (or perhaps a better hand) the player who has the highest card wins. This also applies to a sequence of cards.

A Pair is a hand that has two cards and both cards are of the same value.

Hand in Front (also known as Low Hand) is what you call a two-card hand that players would put before a five-card hand.

Hand Behind (otherwise known as High Hand) refers to the five-card hand behind a two-card hand.

These are the terms used in Pai Gow Poker. You'll get more familiar with these terms after further reading and practice.