In 1985, Sam Torosian invented a new poker variant called pai gow poker. The name originates from the Chinese dominos game pai gow because this poker has certain similarities with it. After this game was first presented at Torosian’s casino it became a success and today it is played at almost every online casino. Pai gow poker is not complicated and those who know some basic poker rules will be able to understand it.
Pai Gow Poker Game Rules
Pai gow poker is played with a single deck of 52 cards, plus only one joker. The joker can be used by players as an Ace or as a card that helps to complete a straight, flush, straight flush and royal flush. This game can be played with up to six people and all of them try to beat the banker, who can be the dealer or any other player that takes part in the game. The players and the dealer receive seven cards each and then they separate them in one five card hand and one two card hand. The one to have better hands value is the one to win the game.
High and Low Hands
After both the player and the dealer get their seven cards, they have to form two different hands. The first hand is known as the high hand and it consists of five cards. The second hand that consists of the two remaining cards is called the low hand. The player can choose how to organise the cards; however, the high hand has to have a higher poker value than the low one. The dealer organises his hands according to predetermined rules that are called the house way. After this process is done, both high and low hands are compared and the winner is known.
Win, Lose or Push
Whether the player lost the bet or beat the dealer’s hands is known after the cards are open and compared. The high hand has the standard poker values, whereas the low hand can be a pair or no pair. First, the high hands of the player and the dealer are compared and then the low hands. If the player beats the dealer in the two comparisons he is considered to be the winner. If he loses or ties both the hands, then the player loses his bet. One comparison won and one lost push the bet to the next game.
Pai Gow Poker – Modern Formats
Nowadays, poker seems to be following the general tendency of the age and going digital. While there are still some land-based poker rooms where players can enjoy pai gow, most of the action has transferred to online poker sites and inherent apps. You shouldn’t even be surprised if the NetBet Live Casino section soon includes a separate live dealer table for pai gow poker fans – it’s just part of the industry’s development.