Pai Gow Poker is the slowest game on most casino floors, and for a bankroll that is a feature rather than a flaw.
How it works
You receive seven cards and split them into a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. The high hand must outrank the low one. Beat both dealer hands and you win; win one and lose one and the hand pushes. A joker acts as an ace or completes straights and flushes.
The push rate is the point
Roughly 40% of hands end in a push. That is unusually high, and it means your bankroll erodes far more slowly than at faster games. If you want a long session on a fixed budget, this is the table.
Setting the hands
The default rule is straightforward: put the second-best pair in the low hand whenever you hold two pairs. With no pair, place your highest card in the high hand and the next two highest in the low hand. Most casinos publish a ยซย house wayย ยป you can request the dealer follow โ for a beginner it is close to optimal and removes the guesswork.
The edge and the commission
Around 2.5% with reasonable play, plus a 5% commission on winning hands. Banking the hand when offered lowers the edge further, though it requires covering other players’ bets.
Availability
Pai Gow is less common than blackjack or baccarat at the operators on our casino list; check the table games section before signing up specifically for it.
Frequently asked questions
What is a push in Pai Gow Poker?
A tie, where you win one hand and lose the other. It happens on roughly 40% of hands, which is why bankrolls last longer.
Should I use the house way?
For most players yes. It is close to optimal, removes the guesswork and costs very little against perfect play.
