Pai Gow Poker – Rules, Strategy & House Edge

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.