Pai Gow Poker Casino Tips for Beginners

Casino Paigow

Pai Gow is based on an old Chinese dominos game that was later converted into poker for those who prefer cards. Today, you can find it in online and land-based casinos, and it is played with a traditional 52-card deck. Learning more about the Pai Gow card game can help you enjoy the time you spend playing, and it may even boost your winnings, too.

What is Pai Gow Poker and How Does It Compare to Other Poker

Pai Gow puts the player against the dealer with a 52-card deck plus the Joker. After betting, both you and the dealer receive seven cards; your cards are face-up while the dealer's cards are face-down. You must divide those seven cards into one hand with five cards and another hand with two cards, and the former must rank higher than the latter in order to win the bet. All wins are even money Pai Gow.

The Pai Gow card game is different from other forms of poker namely because the player does not compete with other players at the table. You will only compete against the house. What's more, in almost every Pai Gow poker casino, there is a significant house edge of between 2.5% and 2.7% when using a simplified strategy. Many other poker games have a much lower house edge, and rather than playing against the house, you will play against other people.

Tips When Playing the Pai Gow Card Game

When playing Pai Gow, there are a few tips to keep in mind to help you get the most out of your experience and win against the house more frequently.

  • Study the hand ranks - Your goal is to separate your cards into hands that rank higher than the dealer's hand, so understanding the various ranks - starting with Straight, Flush, Straight Flush and Royal Flush - will help you make better choices.
  • The larger hand must be the stronger one - When building your hand, remember that the five-card one must always rank higher than the smaller two-card one. Otherwise, you will lose that bet.
  • Practice at home by yourself - Before you start playing for real money, get out a deck of cards or find a free game online and practice. This is the best way to familiarize yourself with the game and grow more comfortable with it.

Choosing the Right Casino that Offers Table Games

Most online casinos offer table games, but Pai Gow is not quite as popular as other forms of poker, which means not all casinos have it. After narrowing down your list to actual Pai Gow poker casinos, the next step is to look at the overall house edge. If this at or below 2.7%, take a look at the table limits to make sure they fit within your betting strategy. Finally, choose the Pai Gow poker casino that will give you the best bonus for table games, which can help you grow your bankroll a great deal as you play.

Types of Online Casino Poker Bonus Offers

You can unlock numerous poker and Pai Gow bonuses both as a new or existing player at licensed and elite online casinos. However, before you do that, you should register an account with all the necessary info and verify it. Once you have passed that hurdle, you can check the promotions section. Online casinos usually offer match deposit bonuses from 50%-100% of up to $1,000. However, poker adventures are not always subject to bonuses. That's why you should first check the T&C of the casino and see if poker is an eligible choice in the offered promos. Then check which variations are allowed in the bonuses. For instance, in some casinos, Texas Hold 'em and Casino Hold'Em aren't offered in the bonus promo, while Pai Gow and Caribbean poker are. While you're there, check which titles contribute to the wagering requirements and how much. If you're eager to find the best online casinos offering Pai Gow and poker bonuses, you can make an informed choice right here. Furthermore, online casinos can provide you with poker and Pai Gow cashback and discounts ranging between 5% and 20%, depending on the number and the total amount of your poker deposits.

Types of Casino Poker Code Promos

When looking for codes that can help you increase your available funds, the codes available to you will depend on your status with the venue. If you are a new player, you may be given anywhere from $5 to $50 to play for free, though you won't be able to cash out any winnings until you've met the venue's wagering requirements. As an existing casino patron, check your emails for various table game promotions and take advantage of any loyalty codes that may be available to you, as well.

The Pai Gow card game is not nearly as popular as other options like Texas Hold'em, but it is a favorite among those who play it, and with the right strategy, you can easily walk away a winner. Be sure to take advantage of the best bonuses available to increase your winnings and remember that practice always makes perfect when it comes to games of strategy.