Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker is a derivative or a spin off of Gai Gow, a Chinese game. By nature, Pai Gow is a leisurely and enjoyable game that was - prior to its introduction to the United States -rarely seen being played outside Asia. This game first appeared in the United States in the latter part of the 1980s. So compared to other casino games, Pai Gow Poker is a relatively new one. When the game was eventually introduced by the best online casinos like Jackpot Capital Casino or Silver Oak Casino, it dramatically gained immense popularity.

Playing Pai Gow

Pai Gow Poker is played with a single deck of 53-card including the Joker. The Joker can be used to complete a five-card hand of flushes or straights. It cannot be used otherwise except as an Ace. Hands are ranked according to the typical Poker hand ranking. What makes Pai Gow different though is that the highest hand in Pai Gow is the 5-card hand which includes the Joker with the four aces. The player has to create a hand higher than the dealers by using the seven cards dealt to him.

Unlike other poker games, you can play the banker or dealer in the game of Pai Gow Poker. Other players would compare their hands to you, the Player-Banker, rather than compare their hands to the House. If you are the Player-Banker, you win when the hands are tied. You also collect lost wagers. The catch, however, is that you would have to pay the players-winners with your own money. As a banker-player, however, you do not get to enjoy the house advantage the casino has over the other players. This is different though when you play online because you cannot play against other players. You are alone with your game so you play against the House or the dealer.

There are a lot of advantages though to playing Pai Gow online. When you play online, you will be able to focus on your game because you will be able to limit the distractions. You can even adjust the noise or sound level so you wouldn't be bothered by the sounds, no matter how real they may be like.

Pai Gow Poker Payouts

Typically casinos will give even winnings to the player. An online casino would, however, typically deduct a 5% commission. So, if you place a bet of $200, you get to win the same amount that you placed at risk plus additional winnings of $190.