The Exciting World of PAI GOW

What is PAI GOW and How Do I Play It?

Welcome to the exciting world of Pai Gow, one of the most intriguing and enjoyable casino games you can find at Silverton Casino! Whether you’re a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, this game offers a unique blend of strategy, skill, and chance that’s sure to captivate you. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the basics of the game, its fascinating history, and some tips to help you get started.

What is Pai Gow?

Pai Gow is a traditional Chinese gambling game that has been adapted into a popular casino card game. The term “Pai Gow” translates to “make nine” in English, reflecting the game’s original objective. The modern version played in casinos, sometimes called Pai Gow Poker, combines elements of the ancient Chinese game with poker, creating a unique and engaging experience.

The Basics of Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker. The game is typically played on a table that accommodates up to six players and one dealer. The goal is to create two winning hands from the seven cards dealt to each player: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to playing:

1. Placing Your Bet: Each player starts by placing a bet within the table limits. Once all bets are placed, the dealer shuffles the deck and deals seven cards to each player and themselves.
2. Setting Your Hands: Players must arrange their seven cards into two hands:
   • High Hand: This is the five-card hand, which follows standard poker hand rankings (e.g., flush, straight, full house).
   • Low Hand: This is the two-card hand, which should ideally be the best possible pair or the highest-ranking cards available. It’s important to note that the high hand must be higher in rank than the low hand.
     

     
3. Using the Joker: In Pai Gow Poker, the joker can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or flush in the high hand.
4. Comparing Hands:  The player’s hands are then compared to the dealer’s hands:
   • If both the player’s high and low hands beat the dealer’s hands, the player wins.
   • If one hand wins and the other loses, the result is a push (no win, no loss).
   • If both the player’s hands lose to the dealer’s hands, the player loses their bet.

Tips for Playing Pai Gow Poker

1. Balance Your Hands: Ensure your high hand is stronger than your low hand. A common mistake is to focus too much on the high hand, leaving the low hand weak.
2. Know When to Split Pairs: If you have a pair of aces, it’s often best to split them between your high and low hands to increase your chances of winning both hands.
3. Practice Makes Perfect: Like any casino game, practice helps. Try playing free online versions to get a feel for the game before hitting the tables.

Why Play Pai Gow at Silverton Casino?

Silverton Casino offers a fantastic environment for playing Pai Gow Poker. Our friendly dealers are always ready to help newcomers learn the game, and the relaxed pace makes it perfect for socializing while you play. Plus, with our wide range of betting limits, there’s a place at the table for everyone, from casual players to high rollers.

See you at the tables!