Pai Gow Poker is a popular casino game that combines elements of both poker and the Chinese domino game, Pai Gow. One of the unique aspects of Pai Gow Poker is the “House Way,” a predetermined method by which the dealer must set their poker hands depending on which cards they have received. In this guide, we will explore the Pai Gow House Way, its importance, and how it can impact your gameplay.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker
In Pai Gow Poker, players use a standard deck of 52 cards plus one Joker, which can either act as an Ace or complete a Straight or Flush. Each player receives seven cards, which they must split into a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand, with the five-card hand ranked higher than the two-card hand. Here’s a quick step-by-step on how to play Pai Gow Poker:
- Receive and Arrange Cards: Each player is dealt seven cards to form two hands— five-card and two-card.
- Set Hands with the “House Way”: Players may follow this method to arrange their hands, as does the dealer, making it easy to create balanced hands.
- Determine the Banker: The dealer uses a dice cup to decide which player receives cards first, starting with the player to their left.
- Compare Hands to the Banker: The dealer reveals their hand, and each player’s hand is compared to the banker’s to determine the outcome of each bet.
In this way, Pai Gow Poker combines both strategy and chance, allowing players to structure their hands in ways that maximize their potential to beat the banker.
Goal of Pai Gow Poker
To win, the player’s five-card hand must outscore the Banker’s five-card hand, and the two-card hand must similarly rank above the Banker’s two-card hand. If a player’s hand matches the Banker’s in rank, it is considered a “Copy,” in which case the Banker wins that hand. Winning hands are paid even money, while losing hands forfeit the wager. If one hand wins and the other loses, the round results in a “Push” or standoff, meaning the original bet remains unchanged.
What is the House Way?
The House Way is a predetermined method by which the dealer must set their poker hands depending on which cards they have received. In Pai Gow Poker, bankers are required to set their hands according to this predetermined method. The House Way can vary from one casino to another, but it must be clearly posted for all players to see. Here are Pai Gow Poker House Way rules.
No Pair
When no pairs are present, the highest card is played in the high hand, and the next two highest cards are placed in the low hand.
One Pair
With one pair, the pair goes into the high hand, while the two highest remaining cards fill the low hand.
Two Pairs
Two pairs are split into categories:
- low (2’s-6’s),
- medium (7’s-10’s),
- high (Jacks-Aces).
Generally, two low pairs stay together in the high hand. A low-medium or low-high pair is split, unless an Ace is present, keeping both pairs in the high hand. Always split medium-high and high-high pairs, and split any pair of Aces with another pair.
Three Pairs
For three pairs, the highest pair goes to the low hand, with the other pairs staying in the high hand.
Three-of-a-Kind
Three-of-a-kind is kept in the high hand, except for Aces, in which case one Ace is moved to the low hand.
Straights, Flushes, and Full House
For straights, flushes, and royal flushes with no pair, prioritize the combination that allows the strongest two cards to form the low hand. With one pair, keep the straight or flush intact and play the pair in the low hand. In a full house, split three-of-a-kind and place the pair in the low hand, with specific exceptions based on the hand composition.
Four-of-a-Kind
For 2’s-6’s, keep all four in the high hand. For 7’s-10’s, split unless an Ace fits in the low hand. Face cards and Aces are always split, while four Aces with a pair should be split unless accompanied by Kings.
Five Aces
For five Aces, always split, playing two Aces in the low hand—unless the hand includes a King pair, in which case five Aces remain in the high hand.
Why is the House Way Important?
- Consistency: It ensures that all dealers at a casino set their hands in the same manner, providing consistency in the gameplay.
- Fairness: Players can be confident that the dealer is not manipulating their hand to gain an unfair advantage.
- Strategy: Understanding the House Way can help players make better decisions about their own hand, as they can anticipate how the dealer will set their hand.
How to Learn the House Way
To learn the House Way, you should familiarize yourself with the specific House Way used at your favorite casino, such as Casumo. This information can usually be found on the casino’s website or by asking the dealer or other players at the table. Some casinos may also provide a cheat sheet or reference card that outlines the House Way for players to use during the game.
Using the House Way in Your Gameplay
For novice players, it is a good way to start until you get a better feel for the strategy of the game. This allows you to focus on understanding the game mechanics and developing your own strategy without having to worry about making mistakes in setting your hand.
As you become more familiar with the game and develop your own strategy, you may choose to deviate from the House Way in certain situations. This can be a strategic decision based on your hand, the dealer’s hand, and the overall game situation.
Conclusion
The Pai Gow House Way is an essential aspect of the game that ensures consistency, fairness, and strategy. By understanding the House Way and how it applies to your gameplay, you can improve your overall Pai Gow Poker experience and increase your chances of success. Remember to familiarize yourself with the specific House Way used at your favorite casino and use it as a guide until you feel comfortable developing your own strategy.
FAQ
Yes, as you become more familiar with the game and develop your own strategy, you may choose to deviate from the House Way in certain situations. This can be a strategic decision based on your hand, the dealer’s hand, and the overall game situation.
You can check the casino’s website or ask the dealer or other players at the table. Some casinos may also provide a cheat sheet or reference card that outlines the House Way for players to use during the game.