How to Play Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow poker is a relaxed casino table game based on traditional poker hands. Instead of one hand, you make two: a five-card hand and a two-card hand. Because many rounds end in a tie, the game moves at a calm pace. This page explains the rules step by step.
The deck and the joker
Pai Gow poker is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. The joker is partly wild: it can be used as an ace, or to complete a straight, a flush or a straight flush.
The deal
Each player and the dealer receive seven cards. You then split your seven cards into two hands:
- High hand: five cards, sometimes called the back hand.
- Low hand: two cards, sometimes called the front hand.
The five-card hand must always be stronger than the two-card hand. If you set them the wrong way round, your hand is fouled, which usually means you lose. The dealer will normally point this out at a live table.
How hands are compared
When everyone has set their hands, the dealer sets theirs according to a fixed method called the house way. Then both of your hands are compared with the dealer's:
- Win both hands: you win your bet, minus a commission.
- Win one, lose one: it is a push and your bet is returned.
- Lose both hands: you lose your bet.
If one of your hands is exactly equal to the dealer's, the dealer wins that hand. This is called a copy.
Why pushes are common
Because you need to win both hands to win the bet, a large share of rounds end in a push. That makes Pai Gow poker one of the slowest-paced casino games, which many players enjoy.
Hand rankings
The five-card hand uses normal poker rankings, while the two-card hand can only be a pair or a high card. Details are on our page about Pai Gow hand rankings.
Setting your hands
Most of the skill lies in how you split your seven cards. Learn the principles in house way and strategy.
Commission
Winning bets usually pay even money minus a 5 percent commission. Read more in odds, house edge and commission. Play responsibly and only if you are 18 or older.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards do you get in Pai Gow poker?
Seven cards, which you split into a five-card hand and a two-card hand.
What happens if my two hands tie with the dealer?
If a hand is exactly equal to the dealer's, the dealer wins that hand. This is called a copy.
What does fouling a hand mean?
Setting your two-card hand stronger than your five-card hand. A fouled hand usually loses.
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