What is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is played using a standard 52-card deck plus one Joker. Each player receives seven cards and must divide them into two hands:
- High Hand (5 cards): This is your primary hand, following standard poker rankings.
- Low Hand (2 cards): This secondary hand must be ranked lower than your High Hand.
The goal is to beat both of the dealer’s hands to win the round.
Game Rules
1️⃣ Creating High and Low Hands:
- You’ll be dealt 7 cards.
- Arrange them into two hands: a High Hand (5 cards) and a Low Hand (2 cards).
- Your High Hand must always rank higher than your Low Hand.
2️⃣ Possible Outcomes:
- Win: Both of your hands beat the dealer’s hands.
- Loss: Both of the dealer’s hands beat yours.
- Push (Tie): You win one hand and lose the other.
Hand Rankings
- High Hand: Follows standard poker rankings (Royal Flush, Straight, etc.).
- Low Hand: Considers Pairs and High Cards only.
Strategies to Win Pai Gow Poker
💡 Balance Your Hands:
Avoid making one hand significantly stronger than the other. Aim for a balanced distribution of strength to increase your chances of winning both hands.
💡 Effective Use of the Joker:
The Joker acts as a wild card for completing Straights, Flushes, or as an Ace. Use it to maximize the potential of your High Hand.
💡 Know When to Split Pairs:
If you have two pairs, consider placing the higher pair in your High Hand and the lower pair in your Low Hand for optimal chances.
Examples
- Using the Joker: In Pai Gow Poker, the Joker is a versatile card that can complete a Straight, Flush, or act as an Ace.
- Matchup Analysis: Learn how the dealer’s hands stack up against yours with real-game examples.
Bonus Tips
💡 Maximize the Joker: Use it strategically to strengthen your High Hand.
💡 Balance Your Hands: Avoid focusing too much on one hand at the cost of the other.
Learn More: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS5zAAt8sJw