Playing Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker combines classic American Poker with an ancient Chinese domino game. Pai Gow is played with a deck of 53 cards, one standard deck and one joker.

At Cantor Casino Pai Gow Poker you start by placing your bets in either, or both, of the betting spots provided. Once you have placed your bets, click ?Deal.'

You are then dealt seven cards for each bet. The dealer is also dealt seven cards. You then split your seven cards into two hands ? one five card hand and one two card hand. This is done by clicking on the cards that will comprise the two card hand and then clicking ?Done.' You may also choose to allow the house recommend how to split by clicking the ?House Way' button. If you are satisfied with the House Way, click 'Done'.

Once you have split the hands for each of your bets, the dealer will then split her hand according to the House Way. At this point your five-card hands are compared to the dealer's five-card hand and your two-card hand is compared to the dealer's two-card hand. If both of your hands rank higher, you win even money less a 5% commission. If you win one hand and the dealer wins the other, your bet will be returned to you. If you lose both hands, you will lose your bet.

The joker can be used as any card only to complete a Straight, Flush, Straight Flush or a Royal Flush. Otherwise, it is treated as an Ace.

Being the banker

When your 5-card or 2-card hand ranks exactly the same as the dealer's corresponding hand, it is known as a "copy hand". The banker wins all ties. Every second hand, you have the opportunity to be the banker. When you choose to be banker, you may place only one bet. Your bet must be no more than the bet made in the previous game.

These simple rules will help you get started with Pai Gow. As you play more, you will learn the strategies involved in becoming a Pai Gow expert. Good luck!