House Way and Strategy in Pai Gow Poker

The main decision in Pai Gow poker is how to split your seven cards into a five-card hand and a two-card hand. The dealer always follows a fixed method called the house way. This page explains the house way and simple strategy principles for players.

What is the house way?

The house way is a set of rules that tells the dealer exactly how to set any hand. Each casino has its own version, but they are broadly similar. At most tables, you can ask the dealer to set your hand the house way too. That is a sensible option for beginners, because the house way is usually close to optimal.

The basic principle

You want both hands to be as strong as possible, while keeping the five-card hand stronger than the two-card hand. Because you need to win both hands to win the bet, a balanced split often works better than putting everything into the five-card hand.

Common situations

• No pair: keep the highest card in the five-card hand and the next two highest cards in the two-card hand.
• One pair: keep the pair in the five-card hand and the two highest remaining cards in the two-card hand.
• Two pairs: this is the most important decision. With a high pair (such as kings or aces), many strategies split the pairs, putting the lower pair in the two-card hand. With two low pairs and an ace, keeping both pairs together and playing the ace in the low hand is often preferred.
• Three pairs: put the highest pair in the two-card hand.
• Three of a kind: usually keep it in the five-card hand. With three aces, put one ace in the two-card hand.
• Straights and flushes: keep them in the five-card hand, but if you can keep the straight or flush and still play two high cards or a pair in the low hand, do so.

Use the house way when in doubt

If you are unsure, ask the dealer to set your hand the house way, or use the house way option in online games. Common mistakes, like putting a pair in the low hand when it should stay in the high hand, are avoided that way.

Strategy does not remove the edge

Good hand-setting reduces the house edge but does not remove it. Read more in odds, house edge and commission. The rankings you need are on Pai Gow hand rankings.

Play for entertainment and only if you are 18 or older.