How to Play Pai Gow Poker Online: Rules, Strategy & House Edge

The ancient game of Pai Gow has its roots in an old Chinese domino game, yet has since made a smooth move to the internet. At first glance, it does look a little strange. However, the game is super-relaxed and shares nothing of the buzz of the blackjack tables or roulette wheel. Thanks to online casinos, you can play Pai Gow poker online right from your living room. Today, I’ll walk you through this fantastic game. With this in-depth online casino games guide, we’ll cover the rules and chat about the best ways to play your cards. Hopefully, you’ll get a better idea of how to counter the casino’s advantage. You’ll also gain the knowledge to ensure a steady game that’s kinder to your bankroll.

What is Pai Gow Poker? A Brief History and Overview

In some ways, Pai Gow Poker is a cool mix of East and West. Essentially, it’s a blend of the old Chinese game of Pai Gow and American poker. The main goal is not trying to make one great hand, as you’re trying to create two winning hands that both beat the dealer’s two hands. It’s this two-hand setup that is the heart of the game. And it’s also the reason so many hands end in a “push,” which is just a tie. When you push, you get your bet returned to you. so no win, no loss. Because this happens a lot, it makes Pai Gow Poker one of the lowest-risk online casino games. In reality, this means you can play for a long while, even if you don’t have a huge pile bankroll to start with.

The Basic Rules of Pai Gow Poker: Cards, Players, and the Dealer

The game of Pai Gow, as found in online gaming platforms like Bet365 Casino, uses a normal 52-card deck, but this includes a single Joker. This Joker is a bit of a wild card and has its own rules. To play Pai Gow poker online, at the beginning of the game, the dealer passes out seven cards to each player at the table. Take note, that even if the spots are empty, they get cards. Both you and the dealer receive seven cards. Now your task is to split those seven cards into two hands: a five-card hand and a two-card hand, which is called “setting” your hand. In truth, this is the only real decision you have to make.

Understanding the Hand: The Two-Hand Requirement (5-Card and 2-Card)

At this point, you need to pay attention as this is probably one of the most important rules of the game. Simply put: when you set your two hands, your five-card hand (the “high hand”) must be stronger than your two-card hand (the “low hand”).

Getting this wrong is called a “Foul,” and it’s bad news because you automatically lose your bet. Yep, the casino just takes your money. It’s a simple rule, but it is easy to forget when you are caught up in the moment. So always double-check that your five-card hand outranks your two-card hand before you hit that confirm button. You don’t want to give away money on a silly mistake.

The Critical Skill: The “House Way” and Setting Your Hand to Play Pai Gow Poker Online

The dealer has to follow a strict set of rules called the “House Way.” This is a fixed strategy for how to divide their seven cards and it keeps the game fair. On the other hand, have a choice in that you can set your hand any way you want. But knowing the House Way is like having a secret weapon. If you are ever unsure how to play a tricky hand, simply copy the House Way. It’s a solid, mathematically sound strategy that helps you make fewer mistakes. When you play Pai Gow poker online, the software on a platform like Bet365 Casino often has a “House Way” button you can click. 

Hand Rankings in Pai Gow Poker: From High Card to Five Aces

The game uses the same standard p[oker ranking for a five card game. But the two-hand game is even simpler with the options to make a pair or have a higher card. However, when you play Pai Gow poker online, the joker is a bit of a special case. Though not a true wildcard, it can be used to complete a straight, a flush, or as an Ace. 

• The “Wheel” Straight: A-2-3-4-5 is the second-highest straight.
• The Joker’s Role: It can be an Ace, or complete a straight or flush.

The Three Outcomes: Win, Lose, or Push

The showdown starts once both you and the dealer have set your hands. This can go one of three ways: 

• You win if both your high hand and your low hand beat the dealer’s hands. 

• You lose if both of your hands lose to the dealer. It happens to the best of us.
• The Push. If one of your hands wins and the other loses you get your bet back.. 

Keep in mind, that should you win, the casino takes a 5% commission from your winnings. 

The House Edge in Online Pai Gow Poker to Play Pai Gow Poker Online

In Pai Gow Poker, the house edge is pretty low, usually around 2.5% to 3% before you factor in the commission. For a casino table game, that’s a great number. However, it’s the commission that really counts as the casino takes 5% of your winnings. So, in reality, the real house edge is closer to 1.5% if you play Pai Gow poker online perfectly. This low house edge is a big reason why so many players enjoy the game. It means your money lasts longer. On the one hand, you’re not going to get rich in a hurry. But on the other hand, you’re not going to go broke in five minutes. You should consider Pai Gow as a marathon, not a sprint. If you are looking for a place to try it, bet365 Casino has a good version.

Strategy Fundamentals: Mastering the Art of Setting to Play Pai Gow Poker Online

In Pai Gow, strategy comes down to how you set your hand. You want to make your five-card hand as strong as possible, but without forgetting about your two-card hand.

With this in mind, it’s a good idea to make your low hand a pair if possible. If you cannot make a pair, then try to make it as strong as you can, like with an Ace-King. Remember, the goal when you play Pai Gow poker online is to win both hands, not just one, as a push doesn’t make you any money.

The Option to Bank: A Game-Changing Strategy to Play Pai Gow Poker Online

When you play Pai Gow poker online, you might see an option to “bank.” This means you get to be the dealer for a hand. You’re now playing against all the other players at the table and the casino just takes a small fee for facilitating the game. Banking is a big deal because it can move the house edge in your favour.  However, the catch is that you need to have enough money to cover all the other players’ bets. This means it’s a higher-risk, higher-reward situation. If you are playing at a site like bet365 Casino, I suggest that you give banking a try only once you are comfortable with the basics. 

Choosing a Reputable Online Casino for Pai Gow to Play Pai Gow Poker Online

Finding a good place to play Pai Gow poker online is just as important as knowing the rules. Before you jump into the first online casino you find, here are a few things to look out for. 

• Is the casino licensed? A license from a respected authority means they are regulated and have to be fair. 
• Who makes their software? Good software providers use certified random number generators (RNGs) to ensure a fair shuffle.
• How’s the online security? You want both your money and details protected. That’s why we love Bet365 Casino as they are fully transparent.

Managing Your Bankroll for Pai Gow Poker to Play Pai Gow Poker Online

When it comes to managing your bankroll, Pai Gow is a great choice. Thanks to all the pushes, it’s a low volatility game, meaning your balance won’t be jumping up and down like a yo-yo as you play Pai Gow poker online. Having said that, all top online casinos offer their players a set of responsible gambling tools. We suggest you use these as a matter of course. For example, it’s a good idea to set loss limits before you begin to play. Just because the game is slow, don’t be tempted to bet more to make the game more exciting.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Playing Online

Newbies are constantly making the same mistakes when they play Pai Gow online. One of the most common of these is fouling the hand. To this end, always check your hands to ensure the five-card hand is stronger than the two-card hand. Another mistake is forgetting about having to pay a commission of 5% on your wins. This’ll cut into your budget, so make sure you factor it into your session. Finally, don’t be afraid to push the “House Way” button. It’ll make life easier as the software handles all the decisions for you. 

Conclusion: The Zen of Online Pai Gow Poker to Play Pai Gow Poker Online

Of all the games at the casino, Pai Gow is one of our favourites. It requires patience, and there are only small victories. However, this makes it the perfect change from high-stress, faster-paced games. Furthermore, it’s a game that rewards smart play and good bankroll management. Just remember to check your hands before you submit them. If you play Pai Gow online, then head over to a trusted site like 1xbet Casino or HellSpin Casino. Not only do they have this exciting game, but there are generous welcome bonuses awaiting new players.

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