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How to Play Pai Gow Poker

If you wander through the table games section of any major casino, you will eventually discover the slow, methodical game of Pai Gow Poker.

While the initial concept of splitting cards seems complex, the mathematical strategy is surprisingly straightforward once you grasp the fundamental rules.

The Basics: Building Two Separate Hands

Your sole objective is to split these seven cards into two separate, distinct poker hands: a five-card hand and a two-card hand.

The most critical, unbreakable rule of the game is that your five-card hand must mathematically rank higher than your two-card hand.

• The casino always wins exact ties (e.g., your Ace-King ties the dealer’s Ace-King)
• The house takes a mandatory 5% commission on all winning bets to maintain their edge
• You can ask the dealer to set your cards according to the “House Way” automatically

How the Dealer Plays Their Cards

This rigidly defined set of rules is universally known across the industry as the “House Way.”

If you are confused about how to split your seven cards, you can simply lay them face up and ask the dealer for help.

Why High Rollers Love the Slow Pace

The defining characteristic of Pai Gow Poker is its incredibly slow, relaxed, and highly sociable pace of play.

This low-volatility environment is perfect for players who want to sit at a table for hours, chat with friends, and enjoy complimentary beverages.

Pai Gow Poker beautifully combines the intricate hand rankings of traditional poker with a forgiving, highly social casino structure.