Pai Gow

Pai Gow traces its origins to ancient Chinese civilization. Pai Gow, whose literal translation is “make nine,” is an age-old Chinese game. It was played using domino tile sets by early Chinese dynasties.  Today, Pai Gow can be played using either dominoes or cards. There is no difference in the way the game is played since dominoes are handled and packed in the same manner as cards. In time, Pai Gow caught the fancy of gaming enthusiasts of the Western World.

Pai Gow Origins

Experts in ancient Chinese civilization believe that Pai Gow is a derivative game of two old gambling games – yeh-tza and yu-p’u. These ancient Chinese games are classified as card games. However, there is also another school of thought that considers yu-p’u as the precursor of modern poker dice. On the other hand, most Chinese historians agree that yeh-tza is a direct descendant of modern card games as it was played using leaves, which is incidentally the literal translation of the term “yeh-tza.”

As these ancient Chinese games evolved, and with the discovery of better materials, a new version of a gambling game known as Ku P’ai gradually replaced them. Experts believe that yu-p’u, which is also classified as an ancient form of a poker dice game, is the main precursor of Chinese tile games. These domino games are normally linked to the Song Dynasty as evidenced by ancient writings which placed the emergence of these tile games around 1120 A.D.  Dominoes were used in several native Chinese tile games such as Tien Gow, Che Deng, Kap Tai Shap, Gwat Pai, Tiu U and Pai Gow.

Today, Pai Gow is a popular gambling game in casinos in modern cities. The main distinction is that, instead of cards, domino tiles are used in playing Pai Gow. This popular tile-based game continued to evolve, and cards ultimately replaced the traditional domino tiles. Its innate similarities to poker and other casino card games make it an appealing and enjoyable card game for both beginners and seasoned casino enthusiasts. Its short learning curve and ease in playing make it a perfect option for the majority of casino aficionados.

Pai Gow Rules

You have to learn a few things before you can actually begin playing Pai Gow online. It is important that you understand the rules that are applied when playing this casino card game. While Pai Gow is closely associated with your typical poker game, these casino card games have several distinctions. For one, when playing Pai Gow, you will have to juggle two hands instead of one, which is usually the rule in most casino card games.

With Pai Gow, you are actually playing a simple version of casino poker. The game is played using 53 cards instead of the usual 52-card deck. The Joker card is used in Pai Gow as an Ace and can be used by players to create flushes and straights, which are basically its main uses. In Pai Gow, hands are ranked in the same way they are ranked in a typical poker game. The main distinction of Pai Gow from traditional poker is that a 5-card combination of a Joker and four Aces is ranked as highest hand.

You will be dealt seven cards and your main objective is to create a hand that exceeds the value of the dealer’s hand. Another basic distinction of Pai Gow from a typical poker game is that a player can also become the dealer or banker. Other players will have to create hands of higher value than your hand if you are a dealer-player. You win the game as a dealer-player and collect the wagers of the other players if the hands are tied. In the same manner, you will pay the winning player with your own money if you lose a game.

You have to be very careful when you are playing as a dealer-player in Pai Gow poker. You have to remember that you do not have the same edge as that of the online casino when you are playing online Pai Gow poker. Make sure that you have the skill set and knowledge before you assume the banker-player’s role. You may have the chance to collect great sums of money as banker-player, but you also assume the risk of losing a lot of money.

As a player, your main concerns are your hand placement and the amount of your bet. You have to understand that you are making your bet based on your assessment whether you have a better hand than the dealer or not. Once you are satisfied with the hands that you get, you can lay them down. This process follows a counterclockwise direction.

Pai Gow Tips and Strategies

1. Focus on the hands that you must shoot for, and the best is the 5-Aces hand. This hand includes a Joker, which is a wild card. You can aim for simple hands consisting of Ace, King, Queen, Jack. However, this will not give you as much as compared to the 5-Aces hand. Aside from the 5-Aces hand, you can also aim for the flushes, pairs and straight cards. These hands will also give you a good shot in winning the actual game.
2. When it comes to the best online casino, it is best that you look for the playing sites that offer playing bonuses and free money so that you don’t have to use your own money right away when you play the card game.
3. You can bank all of your bets if you have sufficient cash and the right hand. This opportunity to bank will allow you to score the extra win that you are aiming for. You can push yourself to the top and become one of the best Pai Gow poker players if you are able to take advantage of these opportunities.
4. Do not play with a full house if you get into a new round of Pai Gow poker. It is better to lay your hand if you have three of a kind. In fact, with two-pairs, you have a better chance of winning if you are playing with pairs.
5. If you do not have sufficient time to play, and if you are easily distracted, then it is best that you look for free sites where you can play Pai Gow poker without using your own money.