Playing Pai Gow Poker in a Las Vegas Casino: A Complete Guide

Pai Gow Poker

Las Vegas is renowned for its diverse range of casino games, and Pai Gow Poker stands out as one of the more strategic yet relaxing options available.

This fascinating game combines elements of traditional Chinese Pai Gow with American poker. Its slower pace allows players to enjoy a longer play session and more chances to socialize.

If you’re new to Pai Gow Poker or looking to sharpen your skills before hitting the tables in Las Vegas, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

What is Pai Gow Poker?

Pai Gow Poker is a blend of the ancient Chinese domino game Pai Gow and American poker. It’s played with a standard 52-card deck plus a single joker and is usually found in the main gaming areas of Las Vegas casinos.

The object of Pai Gow Poker is to create two poker hands from seven dealt cards: a five-card “high hand” and a two-card “low hand.”

The high hand must always outrank the low hand. Both hands must beat the dealer’s two hands to win. If one of your hands wins and the other loses, the round is a “push,” and your original bet is returned.

How to Play Pai Gow Poker

  1. Placing Your Bet: Start by placing a wager on the betting circle. In many Las Vegas casinos, Pai Gow Poker allows for a relatively low minimum bet, making it a popular option for casual players.
  2. The Deal: Each player is dealt seven cards after the dealer shuffles the cards. The dealer also receives seven cards; any remaining cards are set aside. Each player then arranges their cards into two hands: a five-card “high” hand (following traditional poker hand rankings) and a two-card “low” hand.
  3. Joker Rules: In Pai Gow Poker, the joker can be used as an ace or as a wild card to complete a straight, flush, or straight flush in your five-card hand. In the two-card hand, it acts as an ace.
  4. Setting Your Hands: The main strategy in Pai Gow Poker revolves around how you set your hands. Remember that your five-card hand must rank higher than your two-card hand. For example, if you have a pair of kings and a pair of sixes, you should place the kings in your five-card hand and the sixes in your two-card hand.
  5. Comparing Hands: Once all players have set their hands, the dealer reveals their hands and compares them to each player’s hands. To win, both of your hands must beat the dealer’s hands. If one hand wins and the other loses, it’s a push. If both hands lose, the dealer wins, and you lose your bet.
  6. House Edge and Commission: Most casinos take a 5% commission on winning bets, which is how they maintain a house edge of around 2.5%. This makes Pai Gow Poker a low-risk game for players compared to other casino games.

Tips for Playing Pai Gow Poker in Las Vegas

  1. Know When to Push: Pai Gow Poker has more push than most casino games. Approximately 40% of all hands will result in a push, meaning you neither win nor lose your bet. This allows for longer playtime, making it ideal for players looking to stretch their bankroll in a Las Vegas casino.
  2. Use the House Way: Many Las Vegas casinos have a “House Way” strategy that the dealer uses to set their hands. As a player, you can ask the dealer to set your hand the same way. This can be helpful if you’re new to the game and unsure how to optimally arrange your cards.
  3. Banker Advantage: If the opportunity arises, consider playing as the “banker.” When you are the banker, you can compare your hands to all the other players, giving you a slight edge in the game. Note that you’ll need to match the dealer’s bet to act as the banker, so this option is best suited for those with a larger bankroll.
  4. Slow Pace, Low Risk: Pai Gow Poker is ideal for those who enjoy a slow-paced game with low volatility. Because of the high number of pushes, you can play for an extended period without losing much, making it a favorite for players who want a relaxed casino experience.
  5. Practice Online or with Friends: If you’re unfamiliar with Pai Gow Poker, practicing before sitting at a live table is a good idea. Many Las Vegas casinos offer Pai Gow Poker online, or you can play friendly games to get a feel for setting hands and understanding the rules.

Where to Play Pai Gow Poker in Las Vegas

Pai Gow Poker can be found in nearly every major casino in Las Vegas, but some offer better conditions than others. Here’s a look at a few top spots to play Pai Gow Poker on the Strip:

  • Bellagio: Known for its luxurious surroundings and high-quality tables, Bellagio is a great place to try Pai Gow Poker, especially for players who enjoy a higher-end casino experience.
  • The Venetian: With a massive casino floor and numerous Pai Gow Poker tables, The Venetian provides plenty of options for both beginners and experienced players.
  • Caesars Palace: Another iconic Las Vegas destination, Caesars Palace offers a variety of Pai Gow Poker tables with varying betting limits, making it a favorite among tourists.
  • MGM Grand: One of the largest casinos on the Strip, MGM Grand offers a lively atmosphere and a selection of Pai Gow Poker tables, ideal for both casual and more seasoned players.

Conclusion

Pai Gow Poker is a fantastic game to play in Las Vegas if you’re looking for something strategic yet relaxed. Its slower pace and the potential for frequent pushes mean you can enjoy extended play sessions, while the game’s relatively low house edge makes it one of the more favorable options for players.

With a few tips in hand and a basic understanding of how to set your cards, you can easily dive into the world of Pai Gow Poker and have an enjoyable time at any Las Vegas casino.

Whether you’re a seasoned player or a newcomer, Pai Gow Poker offers a fun, social casino experience that’s perfect for those looking to take a break from the faster-paced games on the casino floor. Give it a try during your next Las Vegas adventure, and you might just find your new favorite game!