How to Play Pai Gow Poker (2025)

Pai Gow Poker is a strategic casino game that blends classic poker hand rankings with a unique twist—players must split seven cards into two separate hands. It’s slower-paced than most table games, making it ideal for beginners who enjoy thoughtful play and low-risk sessions.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to play Pai Gow Poker with confidence, from basic rules and hand rankings to smart beginner strategies, table layout tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re playing online or at a live dealer table, this step-by-step guide will help you master the game and enjoy every round.

What Is Pai Gow Poker?

Pai Gow Poker is a strategic casino card game that blends elements of traditional poker with the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow. Instead of dominoes, it uses a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. The twist? You’re dealt seven cards and must split them into two separate poker hands—one five-card “high” hand and one two-card “low” hand.

Your goal is to beat the dealer (or “banker”) with both hands. If only one of your hands wins, it’s a push. If both lose, you lose the round. If both win, you get paid—even money minus a small commission or house edge.

Key Features

Two Hands per Player: You must create a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand from your seven cards.
High Must Beat Low: Your five-card hand must rank higher than your two-card hand, or your hand is automatically fouled and forfeited.
Joker Use: The joker is a semi-wild card—it can complete straights, flushes, or act as an ace.
Push-Friendly: Many rounds end in a tie (push), making Pai Gow Poker a slower-paced, bankroll-friendly game.
Banker Role: In some versions, players can take turns acting as the banker, competing against others at the table.

Why It’s Great for Beginners

Low Volatility: Frequent pushes mean your bankroll lasts longer.
Strategic Depth: Offers more decision-making than games like Baccarat or Dragon Tiger.
Relaxed Pace: Ideal for players who enjoy thoughtful play over rapid-fire action.
Live Dealer Appeal: Popular in online casinos with real-time card dealing and interactive play.

In the next section, we’ll break down the rules of Pai Gow Poker step by step—so you can understand how the game flows and what to expect at the table.

Pai Gow Poker Rules Explained

Pai Gow Poker may look complex at first glance, but once you understand the basic flow, it becomes a strategic and enjoyable game. The key twist is that you must split seven cards into two separate poker hands—one five-card “high” hand and one two-card “low” hand. Your goal is to beat the dealer with both hands.

Basic Setup

Deck Used: Standard 52-card deck plus one joker.
Players: You vs. the dealer (or banker).
Objective: Win both hands against the dealer’s corresponding hands.

How a Round Works

Place Your Bet:
- Choose your chip value and place a wager before cards are dealt.
Receive Seven Cards:
- You and the dealer each get seven cards.
- The joker can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or flush.
Split Your Hand:
- Create two hands:
  - High Hand (5 cards): Follows standard poker rankings.
  - Low Hand (2 cards): Usually a pair or high cards.
- Your high hand must rank higher than your low hand—otherwise, it’s a foul and you lose automatically.
Compare Hands:
- Your two hands are compared to the dealer’s two hands.
- Outcomes:
  - Win both: You win the round.
  - Win one, lose one: It’s a push—your bet is returned.
  - Lose both: You lose the round.

Payouts & House Edge

Winning bets typically pay even money.
Some casinos take a 5% commission on wins.
The house edge is relatively low, especially if you follow optimal hand-setting strategies.

In the next section, we’ll break down poker hand rankings and how they apply to Pai Gow Poker—so you can split your hands correctly and avoid fouls.

Pai Gow Poker Hands & Rankings

Pai Gow Poker uses standard poker hand rankings, but with a twist—you must split your seven cards into two hands: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. Understanding how to rank and arrange your cards is essential to avoid fouling your hand and to maximize your chances of winning.

Poker Hand Rankings (High Hand)

Your five-card hand follows traditional poker rankings, from strongest to weakest:

Five Aces (only possible with joker)
Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10, same suit)
Straight Flush (five consecutive cards, same suit)
Four of a Kind
Full House (three of a kind + a pair)
Flush (five cards, same suit)
Straight (five consecutive cards, mixed suits)
Three of a Kind
Two Pair
One Pair
High Card

The joker can act as an ace or help complete a straight or flush.

Two-Card Hand (Low Hand)

Your low hand must consist of two cards and rank lower than your high hand. Valid combinations include:

One Pair (e.g., two 9s)
High Cards (e.g., King and 7)

Important: If your low hand outranks your high hand, it’s a foul—you lose automatically.

Hand-Setting Tips for Beginners

Always check that your high hand is stronger than your low hand.
Use the joker wisely—don’t waste it in the low hand unless it’s needed.
If unsure, many online versions offer a “House Way” button that sets your hand automatically based on casino rules.

In the next section, we’ll walk through a full round of Pai Gow Poker step by step—so you can see how to split your hand and compare results.

Step-by-Step: How to Play Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker may look intimidating at first, but once you understand the flow, it becomes one of the most strategic and relaxed games in the casino. This walkthrough breaks down a typical round so you can play confidently and avoid common beginner mistakes.

Step 1: Place Your Bet

Choose your chip value and place a wager before the cards are dealt.
Some tables offer optional side bets (e.g., bonus payouts for strong hands).

Tip: Start with the base bet until you’re familiar with hand-setting.

Step 2: Receive Seven Cards

You and the dealer each receive seven cards.
The joker is included and can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or flush.

Step 3: Split Your Hand

Divide your seven cards into:
- High Hand (5 cards): Follows standard poker rankings.
- Low Hand (2 cards): Usually a pair or two high cards.
Your high hand must rank higher than your low hand—otherwise, it’s a foul and you lose automatically.

Many online versions offer a “House Way” button to auto-set your hand based on casino rules.

Step 4: Compare Hands

Your two hands are compared to the dealer’s two hands:
- Win both: You win the round.
- Win one, lose one: It’s a push—your bet is returned.
- Lose both: You lose the round.

Step 5: Payouts & Next Round

Winning bets pay even money (some casinos deduct a small commission).
You can rebet, adjust your wager, or sit out the next round.

In the next section, we’ll explore the Pai Gow Poker table layout—so you know exactly where to place your chips and how the game is organized.

Pai Gow Poker Table Layout (Online & Land-Based Explained)

Pai Gow Poker tables are designed to support strategic play and smooth card handling. Whether you’re playing in a physical casino or online, understanding the layout helps you navigate the game confidently and avoid confusion when placing bets or setting your hands.

Land-Based Pai Gow Poker Table

In traditional casinos, Pai Gow Poker tables are large and semi-circular, often seating up to six players plus a dealer.

Key Zones:

Player Areas: Each player has a designated betting circle and card zone.
Dealer Zone: Located at the center, where the dealer manages cards and compares hands.
Discard Tray: Used for unused cards after each round.
Commission Box: Tracks any house commission on winning bets.
Banker Indicator: Shows who is acting as the banker (dealer or player).

Tip: In some versions, players can take turns acting as the banker—check the table rules.

Online Pai Gow Poker Layout

Online versions streamline the layout for solo play and mobile compatibility.

Key Features:

Digital Card Display: Your seven cards appear clearly on screen, ready to be split.
Drag-and-Drop or Auto-Set: You can manually arrange your hands or use the “House Way” button to auto-set.
Betting Interface: Simple controls to place, repeat, or adjust your wager.
Live Dealer Overlay (if applicable): Real-time video feed with interactive betting zones.

Online games often highlight fouled hands or offer hints to help beginners avoid mistakes.

Understanding the table layout ensures smoother gameplay and faster decision-making. In the next section, we’ll explore beginner strategies and tips to help you split hands wisely, manage your bankroll, and avoid common errors.

Beginner Strategy & Tips for Playing Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker is one of the most beginner-friendly table games thanks to its slow pace, frequent pushes, and strategic hand-splitting. While luck plays a role, smart decisions can help you avoid fouls, stretch your bankroll, and enjoy longer sessions. This section offers practical tips tailored for new players.

Use the “House Way” When Unsure

Most casinos (and online platforms) offer a “House Way” option that sets your hand according to standard casino strategy.
It’s a great fallback if you’re unsure how to split your cards.

Tip: Use it until you’re confident in your own hand-setting skills.

Always Keep High Hand Stronger

Your five-card high hand must outrank your two-card low hand.
If not, it’s a foul and you lose automatically—even if both hands would’ve won.

Double-check your split before confirming.

Bankroll Management

Set a budget before you start and stick to it.
Use consistent bet sizes—don’t chase losses or double up recklessly.
Take advantage of frequent pushes to enjoy longer playtime.

Strategic Splitting Tips

Two pairs: Usually split the higher pair into the high hand and the lower into the low hand.
Three of a kind: Keep all three in the high hand unless it’s aces—then consider splitting.
Full house: Break it into a pair for the low hand and three of a kind for the high hand.

The joker is best used to complete a straight or flush in the high hand.

In the next section, we’ll bust common myths and highlight beginner mistakes—so you can avoid costly errors and play Pai Gow Poker with clarity and confidence.

Common Myths & Mistakes in Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker may seem slow-paced and forgiving, but beginners often fall into traps that cost them wins or lead to fouled hands. This section clears up common misconceptions and highlights mistakes to avoid—so you can play smarter and more confidently.

Myth #1: “Always Keep the Strongest Cards in the High Hand”

While your high hand must outrank your low hand, dumping all your best cards into the five-card hand can weaken your two-card hand too much. A balanced split often leads to better outcomes.

Tip: Learn basic splitting strategy—sometimes sacrificing a bit in the high hand strengthens your overall position.

Myth #2: “The Joker Should Always Go in the Low Hand”

The joker is most valuable when it completes a straight or flush in the high hand. Using it as a simple ace in the low hand is often a waste.

Tip: Use the joker strategically—it’s a powerful tool, not just a filler.

Mistake #1: Fouling Your Hand

If your low hand outranks your high hand, it’s a foul—you lose automatically. This is the most common beginner error.

Always double-check your split before confirming.

Mistake #2: Ignoring the House Way

Many online games offer a “House Way” button that sets your hand according to casino rules. Beginners who ignore it often make poor splits.

Tip: Use House Way until you’re confident in manual hand-setting.

Mistake #3: Betting Too Aggressively

Pai Gow Poker is a low-volatility game. Betting big early or chasing losses doesn’t suit its slow, strategic nature.

Tip: Keep bets consistent and enjoy the long game.

In the next section, we’ll explore the different Pai Gow Poker variants available—so you can choose the version that best fits your style and experience level.

Pai Gow Poker Variants Explained (Which Version Should You Play?)

While classic Pai Gow Poker is the most widely played version, several variants have emerged—especially online—that add new features, betting options, and gameplay twists. This section breaks down the main types of Pai Gow Poker games, helping you choose the version that best suits your style and experience level.

1. Classic Pai Gow Poker

This is the standard version found in most land-based and online casinos. It features:

Seven cards dealt to each player
Joker used as ace or to complete straights/flushes
Player vs. dealer hand comparison
Frequent pushes and slow-paced play

Best for: Beginners and strategic players
Why play it: Relaxed pace, low volatility, and strong decision-making element

2. Online Pai Gow Poker (RNG-Based)

Digital versions powered by Random Number Generators (RNG) offer solo play with fast results and auto-set options.

Best for: Mobile users and casual players
Why play it: Quick rounds, low minimum bets, and 24/7 availability

3. Live Dealer Pai Gow Poker

Live dealer versions stream a real dealer handling cards in real time. You place bets and split hands via an interactive interface.

Best for: Players who enjoy realism and social interaction
Why play it: Combines physical gameplay with digital convenience

4. Fortune Pai Gow Poker

A popular side bet variant that adds a bonus payout for strong hands (e.g., straight, flush, full house).

Best for: Bonus chasers and risk-takers
Why play it: Offers extra excitement and potential for big wins

In the next section, we’ll break down the most common Pai Gow Poker terms in a beginner-friendly glossary—so you can speak the language of the table with confidence.

Pai Gow Poker Glossary

Pai Gow Poker has its own set of terms that may sound unfamiliar at first—but once you learn them, the game becomes much easier to follow. This glossary breaks down the most common words and phrases you’ll encounter at the table, whether you’re playing online or in a land-based casino.

Core Game Terms

Pai Gow Poker: A casino card game where players split seven cards into two poker hands—one high (5 cards), one low (2 cards).
Deck: Standard 52-card deck plus one joker.
Joker: A semi-wild card used as an ace or to complete straights and flushes.
Foul Hand: A hand where the low hand outranks the high hand—results in an automatic loss.

Hand Terms

High Hand: The five-card hand that must be stronger than the low hand.
Low Hand: The two-card hand, usually a pair or high cards.
House Way: The casino’s standard method for setting hands—used by dealers and available in many online games.
Push: A tie—neither player nor dealer wins; the bet is returned.

Betting Terms

Commission: A small fee (usually 5%) taken by the house on winning bets.
Bonus Bet: An optional side bet that pays out for strong hands (e.g., straight, flush, full house).
Banker: The player or dealer who acts as the house—some versions allow players to take turns as banker.

Gameplay Terms

Auto-Set: A feature in online games that automatically arranges your hand using the House Way.
Drag-and-Drop: Manual hand-setting method in digital versions.
Live Dealer: A real person dealing cards via video stream in online casino games.

In the final section, we’ll show you where to play Pai Gow Poker online—highlighting trusted platforms, mobile-friendly options, and live dealer experiences perfect for beginners.

Where to Play Pai Gow Poker Online

Pai Gow Poker is widely available at reputable online casinos, offering everything from fast-paced digital versions to immersive live dealer tables. Whether you’re a beginner looking for low-stakes practice or a strategic player seeking bonus bets and banker options, there’s a platform that fits your style.

Types of Online Pai Gow Poker Platforms

RNG Pai Gow Poker (Digital Version):
- Solo play with instant results
- Ideal for learning hand-setting and testing strategies
- Often includes “House Way” and auto-set features
Live Dealer Pai Gow Poker:
- Real-time card dealing streamed from a studio
- Interactive interface with drag-and-drop hand setting
- Adds realism and social interaction
Mobile Pai Gow Poker:
- Optimized for iOS and Android devices
- Touch-friendly layout and fast loading
- Great for casual or on-the-go play

What to Look For in a Pai Gow Poker Site

Licensing & Security: Choose platforms regulated by trusted authorities (e.g., MGA, UKGC, Curacao).
Low Minimum Bets: Look for tables starting at $1 or less—perfect for beginners.
Live Dealer Options: Adds realism and lets you observe how others set their hands.
Bonus Compatibility: Some casinos include Pai Gow in welcome or reload bonuses—check wagering terms.
Mobile Optimization: Ensure smooth gameplay on phones and tablets.

Note: Pai Gow Poker may contribute less toward bonus wagering than slots—always read the terms.

How to Play Pai Gow Poker