Pai Gow Poker, a change of pace.

24 Jan, 2008 Poker Talk

Pai Gow Poker — This is an interesting blend of an ancient Chinese Domino based game (not sure how ancient just always sounds good when you talk about Chinese) and the game of poker. The game was adjusted when Chinese Immigrants sought to teach Americans the game. To put it on a level that the Americans could understand, the game of Pai Gow moved away from the domino type pieces to a deck of poker cards. This blended game of poker is very popular in Asian markets, and is becoming noticed again in the United States. For many years Pai Gow Poker was available to play at many brick and mortar casinos, now with the introduction and growth the internet has brought Pai Gow Poker to the world.

An online game of Pai Gow Poker is played a little bit differently than what we might deem expected poker. The decks consists of 53 cards, or a standard deck plus a joker. The joker is played wild for this poker game. Unlike in most variations of poker, Pai Gow is played against a banker (dealer) instead of other players, although one game may have up to 6 players at a time.

Remember while we are looking at the game, that is still poker, so the hand rankings are still the same, when you are looking at your combinations. Also, getting this game started and moving toward victory is the bring in bet. However that may be the only similarities to online Pai Gow Poker and more popular variations such as Texas Hold’em.

When the cards are dealt you will receive 2 hands, which will total 7 cards. One higher hand and one lower hand. The lower hand is 2 cards and that is placed in front of the larger hand, which is the remaining 5. From here the betting begins and the goal is to hold better cards then in the hand of the banker. In order to be declared the winner, both hands need to win. Should only one of your hands beat the bankers hands, no one is declared the winner, this is a push and your money is returned to you. The hand is dealt again.

Pai Gow Poker is a version that is not always played but is quite available online. This is certainly a change from the traditional and popular Texas Hold’em or Omaha Poker. I would highly recommend playing the game if you get the opportunity. The challenge to learn it will only better your poker online and off.