Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings

Pai Gow poker uses standard poker hand rankings, with a few differences because of the joker and the two-hand format. This page lists the rankings for both hands.

Five-card hand rankings

From highest to lowest:

1. Five aces: four aces plus the joker. At most tables, this is the highest hand.
2. Royal flush: ace, king, queen, jack and ten of the same suit.
3. Straight flush: five cards in sequence of the same suit.
4. Four of a kind: four cards of the same rank.
5. Full house: three of a kind plus a pair.
6. Flush: five cards of the same suit.
7. Straight: five cards in sequence.
8. Three of a kind
9. Two pairs
10. One pair
11. High card

The A-2-3-4-5 straight

At many tables, the straight A-2-3-4-5 ranks as the second-highest straight, just below A-K-Q-J-10. This differs from most other poker games. Check the table rules, as this varies.

Two-card hand rankings

The two-card hand can only be one of two types:

• A pair: a pair of aces is the best possible two-card hand.
• High cards: if there is no pair, the highest card decides, then the second card.

Straights and flushes do not count in the two-card hand.

How the joker works

The joker is not fully wild. It can be used:

• as an ace;
• to complete a straight;
• to complete a flush;
• to complete a straight flush or royal flush.

In any other case it counts as an ace. In the two-card hand, the joker always counts as an ace.

Why rankings matter for setting hands

Knowing the rankings helps you decide which cards go in your five-card hand and which go in your two-card hand. The five-card hand must always outrank the two-card hand. Learn the principles in house way and strategy, and read the basic rules in how to play Pai Gow poker.

Play responsibly and only if you are 18 or older.