With its roots stretching back to ancient China, Pai Gow Poker is a unique blend of cultures in the modern casino setting.
While it may not be as widely recognised as some other games, Pai Gow Poker has carved out its own space in a number of licensed UK casinos. It offers a different pace and feel, which some people find refreshing in a setting often known for fast-moving action.
Whether you’ve heard the name in passing or are simply browsing what’s out there, this Red Casino guide offers a starting point to learn more about the game and its place in today’s casino landscape.
Pai Gow Poker: What Is It?
Pai Gow Poker combines elements of traditional poker with the ancient Chinese game Pai Gow. Using a 52-card deck and a joker, players create two hands from the seven cards dealt: a five-card “high hand” and a two-card “low hand.”
The high hand must always be more valuable than the low hand. To win, both hands need to beat the dealer’s hands; if one wins and the other loses, it’s a tie, or “push.” The joker can be used as an ace or to complete a possible straight or flush in the high hand, adding an extra layer of strategy.
The game was created in the 1980s by Sam Torosian, who adapted the traditional Chinese Pai Gow game into a poker format. First introduced in California in 1985, it blended poker’s familiar rules with the hand-setting structure of Pai Gow.
This unique mix quickly gained popularity, spreading to casinos in the US, Europe, and Asia. In the UK, Pai Gow Poker has found a niche in both online and land-based casinos, offering a more relaxed pace and strategic play that may appeal to those seeking a non- traditional poker experience.
How Does Pai Gow Poker Work?
Pai Gow Poker is a card game that blends elements of poker and the traditional Chinese game of Pai Gow. It uses a standard deck of 52 cards, plus one joker, and the goal is to create two hands: a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. These hands are then compared to the dealer’s hands to determine the outcome. The game offers different results depending on how the hands are matched, with wins, ties (pushes), and losses all being possible outcomes.
Pai Gow Poker can vary slightly depending on the site, with different platforms offering their own rule sets. It’s important to review the specific rules at each casino to understand how the game may differ. As with any gambling activity, it’s essential to play responsibly and within your means.
How To Play Pai Gow Poker
To start playing Pai Gow Poker, first place your initial bet. You’ll then be dealt seven cards from a standard deck, with the addition of one joker. Your goal is to create two hands: a five-card “high hand” and a two-card “low hand.” The high hand must always be stronger than the low hand. For example, you might place a pair of aces in the high hand and use the remaining cards for the low hand.
Once you’ve set your hands, the dealer will also arrange their cards into a high and low hand. Your hands are then compared to the dealer’s. To win, both your high and low hands must beat the dealer’s corresponding hands. If one hand wins and the other loses, it’s a tie, or “push”. If both hands lose, the dealer wins.
The joker can be used as an ace or to complete a potential straight or flush in your high hand, which can give you an advantage. Remember, Pai Gow Poker is a game of chance, and rules may vary slightly between casinos, so it may be worth checking the rules before you play.
Pai Gow Poker Rules Explained
Having a clear understanding of the basic rules can help make Pai Gow Poker easier to follow. Below is a step-by-step overview of how the game is typically played:
Deck and Cards: Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus one joker. The joker can be used as an ace or to help complete a potential straight, flush, or straight flush in the five-card hand.
The Deal: Each player, including the dealer, is dealt seven cards. These are dealt one at a time until each hand is complete.
Objective: The goal of the game is to split your seven cards into two hands: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The high hand must be ranked higher than the low hand for the setup to be valid.
High Hand: The five-card high hand follows traditional poker rankings, where combinations like full houses, flushes, and straights apply. The strongest possible hand is five aces (four aces plus the joker), while the weakest is a high card.
Low Hand: The low hand consists of two cards, with a pair being the best possible outcome. If no pair is present, the higher single card in the hand is considered the winning card.
Tie (Push): If one hand wins and the other loses, the round is considered a push, and your original stake is usually returned. In the case of a tie, the dealer’s hand typically wins.
These core rules provide the foundation for Pai Gow Poker. Keep in mind that different online or in-person versions of the game may have slight variations, so it may be a good idea to check the specific rules for the platform or venue you are playing at.
Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings
If you’re interested in playing Pai Gow Poker, you’ll need to form two hands: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The key rule is that your high hand must always be stronger than your low hand. Here’s a breakdown of how the hands are ranked:
Five-Card High Hand Rankings
Five Aces: The strongest hand in Pai Gow Poker, made up of four aces plus the joker acting as a fifth ace.
Royal Flush: Made up of a 10, jack, queen, king, and ace, all in the same suit.
Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit (but not a royal flush).
Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
Full House: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
Flush: Any five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
Straight: Five consecutive cards of any suit.
Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
Two Pairs: Two separate pairs of matching cards.
One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
High Card
Two-Card Low Hand Rankings
Pair: The highest possible hand is a pair.
High Card: If there’s no pair, the hand is ranked by the highest card.
By keeping these rankings in mind, you may potentially make more strategic choices and build stronger hands during the game.
Pai Gow Poker Odds and Payouts
Understanding how payouts and odds work could help you feel more confident if you decide to try your hand at Pai Gow Poker. While chance plays a big part in the game, knowing the general chances of different outcomes may help you manage your expectations.
The most common result in Pai Gow Poker is a “push”, which means it’s a tie—neither you nor the dealer wins. This happens in about 41% of games, so it’s something you’ll likely see.
If you win both your high and low hands, you usually receive a payout of even money (1 to 1). However, most casinos take a small commission, usually around 5%, from any winning bets.
Your chance of winning both hands is around 29%, while the chance of losing both hands is close to 30%. These odds show that pushes tend to happen most often, and potential wins and losses occur at fairly similar rates.
Some versions of Pai Gow Poker, like Fortune Pai Gow, offer optional side bets. These bets come with their own odds and potential payouts, which can be very different from the main game. If you’re thinking about trying these, it may be a good idea to read the rules carefully, as each casino may offer different side bet options.
Payouts can also vary depending on where you’re playing—whether online or in person—so it may be helpful to check the game rules on that specific platform. As always, it’s important to bet responsibly and within your means- gambling should be for entertainment purposes only, and not for any potential financial gain.
Can You Play Pai Gow Poker In Online Casinos?
Pai Gow Poker is available at a limited number of licensed UK online casinos, as it’s still growing in popularity. While not as widely offered as some other casino games, it can still be found on select platforms that cater to a broader range of card games.
When it is available, Pai Gow Poker may be offered in two main formats: a digital version, where the game is computerised, and a live dealer version, where a real dealer hosts the game via video stream. The live version can offer a more interactive and social experience, similar to playing at a land-based casino.
Since availability is more limited, the way the game is presented can vary between casinos. It may be helpful to review the rules and features provided on the platform you choose, as this can give you a better understanding of any differences in how the game is played.
As with all online casino games, it’s recommended to utilise the responsible gambling tools that licensed platforms provide. These can include time limits, deposit caps, and spending trackers- all designed to help support a balanced and responsible experience.
Play Poker Online
If you’re interested in discovering what online poker has to offer, Red Casino provides a secure, UKGC licensed platform with a wide variety of poker games and classic casino favourites. While Pai Gow Poker isn’t currently available, you’ll still find plenty of unique options to browse, whether you’re new to poker or already familiar with how the game works.
Red Casino is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, with helpful guides and resources available to support players. Whether you’re learning the basics or looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll find a variety of games to suit differing preferences and experience levels.
At Red Casino we use complex technology to protect your information and offer tools to support responsible gaming, like deposit limits and time reminders, so you can enjoy the experience responsibly on your terms.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
With its roots stretching back to ancient China, Pai Gow Poker is a unique blend of cultures in the modern casino setting.
While it may not be as widely recognised as some other games, Pai Gow Poker has carved out its own space in a number of licensed UK casinos. It offers a different pace and feel, which some people find refreshing in a setting often known for fast-moving action.
Whether you’ve heard the name in passing or are simply browsing what’s out there, this Red Casino guide offers a starting point to learn more about the game and its place in today’s casino landscape.
Pai Gow Poker: What Is It?
Pai Gow Poker combines elements of traditional poker with the ancient Chinese game Pai Gow. Using a 52-card deck and a joker, players create two hands from the seven cards dealt: a five-card “high hand” and a two-card “low hand.”
The high hand must always be more valuable than the low hand. To win, both hands need to beat the dealer’s hands; if one wins and the other loses, it’s a tie, or “push.” The joker can be used as an ace or to complete a possible straight or flush in the high hand, adding an extra layer of strategy.
The game was created in the 1980s by Sam Torosian, who adapted the traditional Chinese Pai Gow game into a poker format. First introduced in California in 1985, it blended poker’s familiar rules with the hand-setting structure of Pai Gow.
This unique mix quickly gained popularity, spreading to casinos in the US, Europe, and Asia. In the UK, Pai Gow Poker has found a niche in both online and land-based casinos, offering a more relaxed pace and strategic play that may appeal to those seeking a non- traditional poker experience.
How Does Pai Gow Poker Work?
Pai Gow Poker is a card game that blends elements of poker and the traditional Chinese game of Pai Gow. It uses a standard deck of 52 cards, plus one joker, and the goal is to create two hands: a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. These hands are then compared to the dealer’s hands to determine the outcome. The game offers different results depending on how the hands are matched, with wins, ties (pushes), and losses all being possible outcomes.
Pai Gow Poker can vary slightly depending on the site, with different platforms offering their own rule sets. It’s important to review the specific rules at each casino to understand how the game may differ. As with any gambling activity, it’s essential to play responsibly and within your means.
How To Play Pai Gow Poker
To start playing Pai Gow Poker, first place your initial bet. You’ll then be dealt seven cards from a standard deck, with the addition of one joker. Your goal is to create two hands: a five-card “high hand” and a two-card “low hand.” The high hand must always be stronger than the low hand. For example, you might place a pair of aces in the high hand and use the remaining cards for the low hand.
Once you’ve set your hands, the dealer will also arrange their cards into a high and low hand. Your hands are then compared to the dealer’s. To win, both your high and low hands must beat the dealer’s corresponding hands. If one hand wins and the other loses, it’s a tie, or “push”. If both hands lose, the dealer wins.
The joker can be used as an ace or to complete a potential straight or flush in your high hand, which can give you an advantage. Remember, Pai Gow Poker is a game of chance, and rules may vary slightly between casinos, so it may be worth checking the rules before you play.
Pai Gow Poker Rules Explained
Having a clear understanding of the basic rules can help make Pai Gow Poker easier to follow. Below is a step-by-step overview of how the game is typically played:
Deck and Cards: Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus one joker. The joker can be used as an ace or to help complete a potential straight, flush, or straight flush in the five-card hand.
The Deal: Each player, including the dealer, is dealt seven cards. These are dealt one at a time until each hand is complete.
Objective: The goal of the game is to split your seven cards into two hands: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The high hand must be ranked higher than the low hand for the setup to be valid.
High Hand: The five-card high hand follows traditional poker rankings, where combinations like full houses, flushes, and straights apply. The strongest possible hand is five aces (four aces plus the joker), while the weakest is a high card.
Low Hand: The low hand consists of two cards, with a pair being the best possible outcome. If no pair is present, the higher single card in the hand is considered the winning card.
Tie (Push): If one hand wins and the other loses, the round is considered a push, and your original stake is usually returned. In the case of a tie, the dealer’s hand typically wins.
These core rules provide the foundation for Pai Gow Poker. Keep in mind that different online or in-person versions of the game may have slight variations, so it may be a good idea to check the specific rules for the platform or venue you are playing at.
Pai Gow Poker Hand Rankings
If you’re interested in playing Pai Gow Poker, you’ll need to form two hands: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The key rule is that your high hand must always be stronger than your low hand. Here’s a breakdown of how the hands are ranked:
Five-Card High Hand Rankings
Five Aces: The strongest hand in Pai Gow Poker, made up of four aces plus the joker acting as a fifth ace.
Royal Flush: Made up of a 10, jack, queen, king, and ace, all in the same suit.
Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit (but not a royal flush).
Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
Full House: Three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank.
Flush: Any five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
Straight: Five consecutive cards of any suit.
Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
Two Pairs: Two separate pairs of matching cards.
One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
High Card
Two-Card Low Hand Rankings
Pair: The highest possible hand is a pair.
High Card: If there’s no pair, the hand is ranked by the highest card.
By keeping these rankings in mind, you may potentially make more strategic choices and build stronger hands during the game.
Pai Gow Poker Odds and Payouts
Understanding how payouts and odds work could help you feel more confident if you decide to try your hand at Pai Gow Poker. While chance plays a big part in the game, knowing the general chances of different outcomes may help you manage your expectations.
The most common result in Pai Gow Poker is a “push”, which means it’s a tie—neither you nor the dealer wins. This happens in about 41% of games, so it’s something you’ll likely see.
If you win both your high and low hands, you usually receive a payout of even money (1 to 1). However, most casinos take a small commission, usually around 5%, from any winning bets.
Your chance of winning both hands is around 29%, while the chance of losing both hands is close to 30%. These odds show that pushes tend to happen most often, and potential wins and losses occur at fairly similar rates.
Some versions of Pai Gow Poker, like Fortune Pai Gow, offer optional side bets. These bets come with their own odds and potential payouts, which can be very different from the main game. If you’re thinking about trying these, it may be a good idea to read the rules carefully, as each casino may offer different side bet options.
Payouts can also vary depending on where you’re playing—whether online or in person—so it may be helpful to check the game rules on that specific platform. As always, it’s important to bet responsibly and within your means- gambling should be for entertainment purposes only, and not for any potential financial gain.
Can You Play Pai Gow Poker In Online Casinos?
Pai Gow Poker is available at a limited number of licensed UK online casinos, as it’s still growing in popularity. While not as widely offered as some other casino games, it can still be found on select platforms that cater to a broader range of card games.
When it is available, Pai Gow Poker may be offered in two main formats: a digital version, where the game is computerised, and a live dealer version, where a real dealer hosts the game via video stream. The live version can offer a more interactive and social experience, similar to playing at a land-based casino.
Since availability is more limited, the way the game is presented can vary between casinos. It may be helpful to review the rules and features provided on the platform you choose, as this can give you a better understanding of any differences in how the game is played.
As with all online casino games, it’s recommended to utilise the responsible gambling tools that licensed platforms provide. These can include time limits, deposit caps, and spending trackers- all designed to help support a balanced and responsible experience.
Play Poker Online
If you’re interested in discovering what online poker has to offer, Red Casino provides a secure, UKGC licensed platform with a wide variety of poker games and classic casino favourites. While Pai Gow Poker isn’t currently available, you’ll still find plenty of unique options to browse, whether you’re new to poker or already familiar with how the game works.
Red Casino is designed to be user-friendly and accessible, with helpful guides and resources available to support players. Whether you’re learning the basics or looking to sharpen your skills, you’ll find a variety of games to suit differing preferences and experience levels.
At Red Casino we use complex technology to protect your information and offer tools to support responsible gaming, like deposit limits and time reminders, so you can enjoy the experience responsibly on your terms.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
