Pai Gow: A Unique Poker Experience
Pai Gow is a fascinating combination of the ancient Chinese domino game of the same name and classic American poker. This card game, developed by Betsoft, is known for its relaxed pace and strategic depth. With low volatility, the game offers lower risk and longer playing sessions, which is ideal for players who enjoy tactics. The game has no jackpot but offers a solid theoretical return to player (RTP) of 97.27%.
The essence of Pai Gow Poker is simple yet challenging. You play with not one, but two poker hands that you form from seven cards received. The goal is to beat both the dealer's high and low hands. A special joker adds an extra layer of strategy, making each round a new puzzle to solve. This makes it an engaging game for both new and experienced casino players.
Pai Gow Casino
Pai Gow Poker was invented in 1985 by Sam Torosian and combines Eastern tradition with Western game mechanics. The game is played with a standard 53-card deck, including one joker. This joker is semi-wild and can be used as an ace, or to complete a straight, flush, straight flush, or royal flush.
The goal is to split your seven cards into two hands: a "high hand" of five cards and a "low hand" of two cards. The only, but crucial, rule is that your high hand must always have a higher poker value than your low hand. After you set your hands, they are compared to the dealer's two hands.
Win: You win if both your high and low hands are better than the dealer's. Winnings are paid out 1:1, minus a 5% commission.
Push: If you win one hand and lose the other, it's a tie (push), and you get your bet back.
Loss: You lose your bet if both hands lose or tie with the dealer. In the case of an exact tie (a "copy"), the bank wins.
How to Play Pai Gow on a Computer
Playing Pai Gow on a computer is a streamlined and straightforward experience. Follow these simple steps to get started:
Place your bet: Choose the amount you want to wager for the round.
Receive your cards: Both you and the dealer receive seven cards.
Split your hand: Divide your seven cards into a high hand (five cards) and a low hand (two cards). Remember that the five-card hand must always be stronger than the two-card hand.
Compare with the dealer: Once you have confirmed your hands, they are compared with the dealer's to determine the outcome.
If you're unsure how to best split your hand, you can use the "House Way" button. The game will then automatically divide your cards according to a predetermined, optimal strategy.
How to Play Pai Gow on Mobile
Thanks to Betsoft's modern design, you can play Pai Gow perfectly on your mobile device. The gameplay is identical to the desktop version but optimised for a smaller screen. The interface is intuitive, and the cards can be easily dragged with your fingers to form your two hands. Whether you're at home or on the go, you can always enjoy a strategic game of Pai Gow.
Play Pai Gow for Free
Before playing with real money, it's a good idea to try the free demo version of Pai Gow. This is the perfect way to learn the rules and practise different hand-splitting strategies without any risk. The game has an RTP of 97.27%, which is the theoretical percentage of all wagered money that is returned to players over time. By playing for free, you'll get a good feel for the gameplay and can join the real tables with more confidence.
Recommendation
Pai Gow is an excellent choice for players who love strategic card games but want to avoid the intense pressure of traditional poker. The low volatility and high frequency of pushes make it a relaxed and social game. If you're looking for a game that combines strategy with a calmer pace, Pai Gow is an excellent choice. Try it for yourself at PepperMill, a reliable Belgian online casino where you can enjoy a wide range of games.