What is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is based on the ancient Chinese domino game called Pai Gow, played against the dealer using a 53 deck of cards (the extra card being the Joker). Pai Gow Poker is one of the more favored games at land-based and online casinos because of its moderate pace. The game offers an excellent blend of skill, luck and entertainment and is played by millions of people each year.
Where did Pai Gow Poker Originate?
The original Chinese Pai Gow (which is still played in the country today) consisted of dominoes with elaborate symbols representing various scenes. The game was hugely popular in the Far East and different versions evolved throughout time and regions. However, the original name and pictures were always kept. Pai Gow reached American shores around the 19th Century and was quickly adapted to suit Western tastes. The greatest change in the game came in the late 1900s when the owner of a Californian casino exchanged the dominoes for playing cards and created Pai Gow Poker.
What is Online Pai Gow Poker?
With the advent of online gambling in the 1990s, Pai Gow Poker made a natural transition to this exciting and convenient world. Players now have the luxury of playing their favorite game from the comfort of their own home, around a virtual table with up to six players. Pai Gow Poker can be played at any level, and because it is not as fast paced as regular poker, it is highly appealing to new players. Exciting promotionS such as welcome bonuses, as well as Pai Gow Poker tournaments ensure that players have a list of very good reasons to take their fun online.
What is the Objective of Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow Poker is played against the dealer of the house around a special table, usually consisting of up to six other players. Each player is dealt seven cards and the player needs to make two separate hands using these cards – one five card hand and one two card hand. The two-card hand must be the ‘second highest’ front hand and the five-card hand must be the ‘highest’ back hand. Both these hands – which are ranked according to traditional poker hands - need to beat the dealer’s two hands in order for the player to win the game. Should the player lose one hand and win one hand, this is called a ‘push’ bet. Should the hands be identical in value, this is considered a ‘tie’ and the dealer wins.
What is Pai Gow Poker Terminology?
Any new gambling pastime requires that gamblers familiarize themselves with the terminology and phrases surrounding the game, and Pai Gow Poker is no exception. Firstly, all the regular poker terms such as ‘five of a kind’, ‘flush’ and ‘full-house’ refer to Pai Gow Poker as well. In addition, players can find unique terms such as a ‘split’ where the seven cards originally dealt are separated into two new hands.