How To Play Pai Gow Poker At The Casino

Walking through the table games section, you will often see players relaxed and chatting around the Pai Gow Poker table.


It is the ideal game for players who want to sit, enjoy free drinks, and play for hours without risking massive losses.

How to Set Your Hands in Pai Gow

The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus one single Joker which acts as a semi-wild card.


You must arrange your cards into a five-card back hand and a two-card front hand, following traditional poker rankings.

The dealer must set their hand according to a strict set of casino rules called the 'House Way'If you are confused, you can always ask the dealer to set your hand according to the House Way for youBecause tying is so common, the casino takes a 5% commission on all winning bets to maintain their house edge
The Smartest Way to Play Pai Gow

The strategy in Pai Gow revolves entirely around making your two-card hand as strong as legally possible without fouling.


If you are dealt two pairs, the general rule is to split them, putting the smaller pair in your two-card hand.

Dealt CardsOptimal Setting StrategyReasoningThree of a Kind (Aces)Pair of AcesSingle Ace (Highest possible low hand)Straight with no pairThe StraightThe two remaining highest cards

By learning how to balance your high and low hands perfectly, you can enjoy one of the best table games in the casino.