With origins from the Chinese domino game Pai Gow, Pai Gow Poker is loved for its simple rules, low risk, and plentiful strategy. While the game was originally created in the 1980’s it has gone through different variations to become what it is now. Also known as Double Hand Poker, Pai Gow Poker has become a favorite for those who play online casino poker.
The object of the game is simple; Beat the Dealer! In the same way, you can take the unique option of being the banker in Pai Gow Poker. In view of the rules, Pai Gow Poker offers the combination of being a great pastime that offers exciting action. Certainly, the showdown moment where everyone shows their hands is captivating. Owing to the game not being complicated makes for a major attraction. Anyone can quickly learn and play. And our tables accommodate any budget and bankroll. Let’s take a look at how the game works.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker
First, Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard deck of 52 cards with one joker. The joker is semi-wild and can be used as an ace or to complete a straight, flush, straight flush or royal flush. Following an initial bet from the player, the dealer will deal himself and the player seven cards each. From there standard poker ranking rules apply with one exception. A2345, which is known as “the wheel,” is the second-highest racking straight.
Once the hand is dealt the player will split it into two with a five-card high hand and two-card low hand. Specifically, the high hand must be of higher poker value than the low hand. The five-card hand is ranked according to regular online betting rules. Counter to that the two-card hand is simply either a pair or no pair in which individual cards determine the value.
Once the player has set his hand the dealer will turn over his cards and divide his hand according to rules known as the “house way.” Next, both the high card and low card hands will be compared with the higher poker value winning. If there is a tie the bet goes to the banker. Should the player win the bet, he gets even money, minus a five percent commission. Correlate if the player wins one hand but loses the other the bet is a push. And if the player loses or ties it is a wagering loss.
Balanced against other Play online casino games is that the player may bet against the dealer as well as other players in Pai Gow Poker. Such a wager is known as “banking.” Cause by this is a turn to act as banker, which is either rotated around the table or by zig-zag between the dealer and each player in turn. Players have the option to decline to the bank with the option passed to the next player.
Player Banking
Compared to other games it is unusual for players to be able to bank. Some games allow you to bank on every hand while others require that the house to bank once to twice. Naturally, the big advantage of banking is that you win a push hand instead of losing it. The house will still take a five-percent commission off a net win in a hand banked by a player.