Pai Gow Poker combines poker hand ranking with a push-heavy pace. Players set a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand, aiming to beat the dealer in both.
Rules
Players and dealer each receive 7 cards. They must form a 5-card high hand and a 2-card low hand.
The high hand must outrank the low hand (e.g., a pair of Kings cannot be placed in the low hand if the high hand is weaker).
The dealer sets hands according to a predetermined house way. Players can request help or guidance to avoid fouls.
Outcomes:
Win both hands → Player wins.
Split (win one, lose one) → Push.
Lose both hands → Dealer wins.
The Joker is semi-wild: it acts as an Ace or can complete a straight/flush.
Strategy Basics
Balance your hands: Don’t leave the low hand too weak; aim for two competitive hands.
Pairs: Usually keep pairs in the high hand, unless splitting strengthens both hands.
Two pairs: Often split between high and low unless small pairs with strong kickers.
Trips: Keep in the high hand; send strongest two kickers to the low, except Aces (house way may split).
Bankroll: Pushes are common (~40% of hands), so swings are slower than games like blackjack.
Common Setting Patterns
One pair: Keep in high; strongest side cards in low.
Two pair: Split unless both are small and kickers are strong.
Full house: Break into trips + pair (trips high, pair low).
Straights/flushes: Usually keep intact unless splitting strengthens low significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What’s the house edge in Pai Gow Poker?
The house edge is about 2.5–2.8%, mostly from the dealer banking advantage. Commission-free variations may adjust this.
Why are there so many pushes?
Because players need to win both hands. Many rounds result in each side winning one, leading to pushes (about 40%).
What happens if I set my hands incorrectly?
This is called a foul hand. The dealer will reset your cards to the house way, and you automatically lose.
Can I bank the hand?
Some casinos allow players to act as the banker, rotating among the table. This slightly lowers the house edge but increases variance.
How it compares
Pai gow poker is built around the push: a large share of hands tie and return your stake, which produces very low volatility and a long session on a small bankroll. Our push and variance entries explain why that feels cheaper than it is.
For games priced by full enumeration, see our three card poker section, which counts all 22,100 hands, and baccarat, which walks the entire game tree.