Interested in learning more about Pai Gow Poker? Well, get ready because we know all about it, and we want to offer you some tips. This type of poker, commonly known as double hand poker, is a variation of Pai Gow in which cards are used in place of pai gows, or Chinese dominoes.
It’s quite an enjoyable game to play, but it can be a little challenging at first to grasp the basics. Don’t let that stop you though, many players have won generous amounts and we reveal the top three biggest Pai Gow Poker wins. Read on to find out just how rewarding this game can be.
Embark on a Journey: The Rich History of Pai Gow’s Winning Hands
How does this interesting blend of a game work? In this poker game, players get a conventional 52-card deck plus one joker. There are usually six players and a dealer. Players are dealt seven cards and must split them into two hands: a five-card hand (the “high” hand) and a two-card hand (the “low” hand). The goal is to beat both the dealer’s high and low hands to win. It sounds pretty simple, but you definitely need a strategy.
Epic Pai Gow Jackpots: Wins That Defied the Odds
In a whirlwind of gaming excitement, the game of Pai Gow Poker has seen some staggering wins that have left players and spectators in awe.
Here are some notable mentions:
🏆 In third place: $1,391,967
Just this year, on January 22, 2024, a very lucky player in Pittsburgh won a $1,391,967 Fortune Pai Gow Poker progressive jackpot at Rivers Casino Pittsburgh.
🏆 In second place: $3.5 million
In October 2023, a very lucky gambler hit a $3.5 million Pai Gow Poker jackpot at Harrah’s, Las Vegas.
🏆 In first place: $6.4 Million
A Las Vegas poker player, Thomas Evans Zanot, won $6.4 million in a Pai Gow jackpot at Flamingo in January 2023.
Get Ahead With These Five Strategic Insights
1. Understand the Rules
The most important thing is to make sure you understand the rules of the game before you start playing. Familiarize yourself with the hand rankings and the mechanics of how the game works. This will help you make better decisions during gameplay.
2. Gamble responsibly
Always make a sensible bet and never bet beyond your means. Set a budget for your sessions and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and never wager more than you can afford financially.
3. Split Your Hands Wisely
It’s important to know how to split your hand effectively. Aim to create one high-ranking hand and one low-ranking hand. Avoid splitting pairs unless you also have another strong hand, such as a straight or a flush.
4. Pay Attention to the House Way
Online games typically offer an option to let the computer set your hand according to the “House Way.” While this can be a helpful feature, it’s also beneficial to understand the reasoning behind the House Way’s decisions. Study the House Way strategy for your chosen casino to improve your own decision-making.
5. Be Patient and Make Informed Decisions
Pai Gow is all about strategy and patience. Avoid rushing your decisions, especially when splitting your hand. Take your time to analyse the best possible combinations. Patience can lead to better outcomes in the long run.
When Do You Have the Upper Hand?
Player hands
With seven cards, each player forms two hands: a five-card hand and a two-card hand. Each player has the responsibility to set their own hands. It is always necessary for the five-card hand to have a higher poker rank than the two-card hand.
If you have a two-card hand positioned higher than the five-card hand, or a hand with more or fewer cards than the required number, it will foul.
House hand
The house hand is essentially the dealer’s hand, and it’s determined according to specific rules called the “House Way.” Your goal is to beat the dealer’s hand to win the game.
Pai Gow poker hand rankings
If you already know the rules of Texas hold’m then Pai Gow Poker should be easy for you to follow. There’s one notable difference between this game and other poker variants and that is, the joker in the deck.
In this version of poker, the joker acts as an ace, unless it’s used to complete a flush or straight. The hand rankings are the same as Texas hold’em, except for the following:
- Five aces beat a royal flush and are the best hand in Pai Gow poker
- Five aces can also be achieved with the joker
- A wheel straight – It consists of the lowest possible straight: A-2-3-4-5
- In this sequence, the ace can function as either the lowest or highest card, allowing it to complete the straight
The Exciting New Horizons of Pai Gow
The excitement of this game attracts players from all walks of life, from seasoned pros to casual enthusiasts. Despite the ever-evolving landscape of online casino games, Pai Gow remains a favourite among players. As technology advances and new trends emerge, the game adapts and evolves to stay relevant. This beloved casino game continues to grow, solidifying its place in gambling.
Our Verdict
Pai Gow poker has etched its name into the fabric of casino gaming, thanks to its blend of strategy, excitement, and the potential for monumental wins. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the game, the thrill of victory awaits.
