Pai Gow Poker rules

Pai Gow Poker is a slow-paced table game played with a 52-card deck plus one joker. Each player and the dealer (the banker) receive seven cards. Each player splits the seven cards into a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. The five-card hand must rank higher than the two-card hand; a hand set the wrong way is a foul.

How hands are compared

• Win both hands against the banker: you win, usually minus a commission (commonly 5 percent).
• Lose both hands: you lose.
• Win one and lose one: the bet is a push, so many hands end with no money changing hands.
• Ties on a hand, called copies, go to the banker.

The joker

In most casino versions, the joker is semi-wild: it counts as an ace, or can complete a straight, flush, straight flush, or royal flush. Check the posted rules.

House edge

The house advantage depends on the commission, the rules, how well hands are set, and whether a player ever acts as banker, so we do not quote a single figure. Because so many hands push, the game tends to move slowly, which can reduce the amount wagered per hour.

Play safely, or not at all

This guide is educational. We do not offer games, accept bets, or link to casinos. In the U.S. states that currently license online casinos, you must be at least 21 and physically located in that state. Every casino game on this page has a built-in house advantage or a fee, so treat any money you play with as money you may lose. Set a budget and a time limit before you start. If gambling is causing harm, call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) or see our responsible gambling help page.

Sources

• Wizard of Odds, Pai Gow Poker

See also: all game guides, where online casinos are legal, and responsible gambling help.