There is no simple answer to what constitutes good strategy. Most of the time the correct play will be obvious. However, sometimes the player must decide whether to weaken the high hand for the benefit of the low hand.
2004-03-29
Pai Gow Poker Strategy
In Pai Gow Poker the house advantage over the player is around 2.5%; however when the player is the banker (dealer) the game is close to even. So, one of the best pai gow poker strategies is to be the banker as frequently as possible. For example let's say the player is banker half the time that would mean that the house edge would go down to about half, around 1.25%. These numbers assume that the player will split his hands in the same manner as the house (the house way).
When the player is banking he is playing a close to break even game, this it true because of the advantage the banker has from winning ties. Also there is another factor, the 5% commission that is paid by the banker on winning hands, gets charged after losses are settled against winnings.
The House Way
This pai gow poker strategy is based on the way the house arranges the cards, meaning the rules that determine how the dealer will split his seven cards into the best possible two hands. It is safe to assume the casinos always arrange the cards close to optimal but the rules can vary slightly from casino to casino.
Combination of Cards
What to Do
No pair
Place the highest card in the 5 card hand and the next two highest cards in the 2 card hand.
One Pair
Place the pair in 5 card hand and the next two highest cards in the 2 card hand.
Two Pairs
Ace and any other pair - always split;
Face card pair and pair 6's or higher - always split;
Any two pair 6's or under - never split;
With any other 2 pair, split unless the hand contains an ace - then play the ace in the 2 card hand;
Three Pairs
Always play highest pair in 2 card hand.
Three of a Kind
Always play three of a kind in 5 card hand except break up three aces;
Two Three of a Kinds - play the lowest 3 of a kind as the 5 card hand and split the higher 3 of a kind.
Straight
Keep as the 5 card hand;
6 card straight - use the highest card in the 2 card hand;
5 or 6 card straight with a pair - use the pair as the 2 card hand;
Straight with 2 pair - play the 2 pair rule.
Flush
Keep as the 5 card hand.
6 card flush - use the highest card in the 2 card hand.
5 or 6 card flush with a pair - use the pair as the 2 card hand.
Flush with 2 pair - play the 2 pair rule.
Straight and a Flush
A flush and a straight with no pair - play the combination that results in the highest 2 card hand.
Full House
Split except with pair of 2's and an ace/king can be played in 2 card hand.
Four of a Kind
Play according to the rank of the Four of a Kind:
2 through 6: Always keep together;
7 through 10: Split unless a pair or ace and picture can be played in the 2 card hand;
Jack through king: Split unless hand also contains a pair of 10's or higher;
Aces: Split unless a pair of 7's or higher can be played in 2 card hand.
Straight Flush
Keep as the 5 card hand;
Split 2 pair 10's and higher, or a pair of aces and any other pair;
Any other two pair with ace - play the 2 pair as high and the ace in the 2 card hand;
Play a straight or flush instead of the straight flush if it causes a picture card or higher to be played in the 2 card hand.
Royal Flush
Keep as the 5 card hand;
Royal flush with a pair - play the pair in the 2 card hand;
Royal flush with 2 pair - play the 2 pair rule;
Split the royal flush if an ace, king or a pair can be played in the 2 card hand while retaining a straight or flush in the 5 card hand.
Five Aces
Split unless pair of kings can be played in 2 card hand.
Pai Gow Strategy Tips
Be the banker as frequently as possible.
Play the house way.
Look for tables with as few players as possible; this will enable you to banker more frequently.
Read more about Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow poker historyPai Gow poker rules
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