Pai Gow Poker – general information

If you have played Pai Gow before, this article will give you additional information to consider when playing it the next time. Online poker rooms are stepping up to provide this form of poker on their sites. As poker gains more popularity – so too will Pai Gow Poker.

This article is aimed at poker players that know how the basics of this game go – but have not yet played it online or at land based casinos. This game comes with protocol and etiquette. Most poker games do, but the etiquette for this poker game are a bit different than you may guess.

Just as in most casino games, the Pai Gow Poker rules of player behavior are set in place to not only keep players from cheating, but it is to show respect, too. Like other table games such as Caribbean Stud, this game has player boundaries that must be followed strictly. If players do not follow these rules of behavior, they change the house edge whether a player means for this to happen or not. Basically, this is not a poker game that you can played ignorance when playing, so be sure to take the following suggestions to heart -or you may get chucked from the casino.

-          Once your two hands are placed faced down in their appropriate spot on the table, you cannot touch them again.

-          You need to make certain that your second highest hand does not beat your highest hand, you hand is going to be considered voided and you will lose your bet automatically if it is. But, if the banker makes this mistake, the dealer will reset the hands accordingly to casino house ways. Be sure to understand these rules before game play – some casinos have different rules regarding this.

-          This is not a casino game that does not allow its players to seek help. If you are uncertain at any time, you can ask the dealer for assistance on setting your hand. The dealer can tell you how the house would do using the house rules.

-          This game has strict guidelines but it is also a relaxed environment. Advice will come if you need it, but you have to ask the dealer for it, they will not just offer it. Keep in mind, casinos have varying regulations for sharing card information. There are some casinos out there that don’t mind player chat regarding hand setting, but some casinos forbid players whose cards are not set on the layout from looking at another player’s cards.

-          If you are playing more than one player spot at any table, the first hand you play must belong to the spot with the largest of your bets – if you have two different sized bets that is. This rule is to help minimize the player benefit of being able to see a larger percentage of the deck - -but doing this rarely changes your true strategy anyway. Remember respect?

-          Your 7 cards should be in full view of the dealer at all times (this goes for any poker or casino game). If you are online this will not come into play. If you do hold your cards away from the table, you will be kindly reminded the first time. Some casinos will make you surrender your hand if you do something like drop a card. Just be smart and keep your hand in view, then there will never be any issues.

This is a great casino game if it fits your game playing temperament. If you are the need it now kind of player, this game will move too slow for you. When playing Pai Gow, anywhere between 30 to 40 percent of your hands will end in a push – so be patient.

This casino game (like others) carries player superstitions. You will tend to see players moving from a seat to another to get a better hand and such. These types of players are usually preoccupied with the ritual of the deal. Maybe this is because you will see many strange hands go down that will make you think there is a higher power taking over.

Here are a few helpful hints about this game in general:

-          If you happen to be at a table where it is just you and the dealer, be sure to alternate as the bank. This will cause your bank roll to remain unstressed and will actually give you the benefit of ties 50% of the time. Think of it this way, by alternating as the banker, you can reduce the edge to 1.27% - not bad.

-          In order to give yourself the best shot at coming out on top in the long run, you need to bank. If you play as the banker with the proper strategy, you can be even with the house in many cases – sometimes even slightly ahead.

-          If you forget any strategy rules – remember- - you can ask the dealer

-          Take your time when setting your hands. There is no hurry in Pai Gow. The five card hand must always be equal or greater in value than the two card hand. Remember, a voided hand will cost you your bet.

-          This game rewards player skill and patience. It cannot be stressed enough that you need to be methodic, setting your hands slowly. You will not get any extra point for moving quickly in this game. Be rash. Have fun.

 

(918)