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Rules and Gameplay
Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker, which can act as an ace or complete a straight, flush, or straight flush. The game begins with players making a bet. Each player, including the dealer, receives seven cards. Players then split their cards into a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand. The five-card hand must be of higher poker value than the two-card hand. The objective is to beat both of the dealer’s corresponding hands winning both hands results in a payout, winning one leads to a push, and losing both results in a loss.
Bonus Features
While Pai Gow Poker primarily focuses on the traditional gameplay, some variations include bonus features to enhance the gaming experience. Here are key bonus features found in some Pai Gow Poker games:
- Wild Joker: The joker acts as a wild card, which can be used to complete a straight, flush, or act as an ace.
- Bonus Bets: Some versions offer bonus bets that pay out for achieving certain hand types, such as a seven-card straight flush or royal flush.
- Progressive Jackpots: Players may have the option to contribute to a progressive jackpot, which pays out for high-ranking hands.
Symbols
In Pai Gow Poker, the traditional slot symbols are replaced with standard poker card combinations. Here are the common hand rankings used as symbols in the game:
- High Card
- Pair
- Two Pair
- Three of a Kind
- Straight
- Flush
- Full House
- Four of a Kind
- Straight Flush
- Royal Flush
Payouts
| Outcome | Payout |
|---|---|
| Win Both Hands | 1:1 (minus 5% commission) |
| Win One Hand (Push) | Return of Bet |
| Lose Both Hands | Lose Bet |
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Low risk of losing large amounts quickly due to the structure of play resulting in many pushes. | Complex rules can be intimidating for beginners. |
| Strategic gameplay that combines elements of traditional poker and Pai Gow. | Slow pace of play might not appeal to everyone, especially those looking for quick action. |
| Opportunity to act as the banker, which can decrease the house edge. | 5% commission on winnings can be seen as a disadvantage compared to other casino games. |
Minimum and Maximum Bet
The minimum bet in Pai Gow Poker typically starts at $1, which makes it accessible to players with various bankrolls. The maximum bet can go up to $500, allowing high rollers to engage in the game with the potential for larger payouts.
Game Jackpot
The Pai Gow Poker game does not typically feature a progressive jackpot, but some variations offer side bets that can have large payouts, such as a progressive jackpot for achieving a specific hand like a 7-card straight flush. The theoretical Return to Player (RTP) is generally around 96%, which is competitive for table games. The variance in Pai Gow Poker is usually low to medium, reflecting the balanced nature of frequent pushes against the house.
About Provider
Betsoft, the provider of Pai Gow Poker, is renowned for its engaging and visually impressive online casino games. Established in the gaming industry for providing high-quality graphics and innovative gameplay features, Betsoft continues to offer a diverse range of gaming options that appeal to a broad audience of casino enthusiasts.
How To Play
- Start the game by placing a bet within the table’s limits.
- Receive seven cards from a 53-card deck (including one joker).
- Split your 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 according to traditional poker rankings.
- After players set their hands, the dealer reveals and sets their hands according to the “house way.”
- Compare your two hands against the dealer’s two hands win both to get paid 1:1 on your bet minus a 5% commission, win one for a push, and lose both to lose your bet.
- Optionally participate in any available side bets or jackpots if provided by the casino.
Summary
Pai Gow Poker offers a unique blend of traditional poker hand ranking with the strategic elements of Pai Gow. It caters to those who enjoy a thoughtful, less rushed gaming experience where the risk of losing quickly is mitigated by the frequent pushes. The ability to act as the banker provides a strategic angle that can favor the player. While the game’s slow pace and complexity might deter some, the low house edge and the possibility of reducing it further by banking are appealing. Overall, Pai Gow Poker is a compelling choice for players seeking a blend of strategy and traditional poker action.