Pai Gow Poker is a very interesting card game. It is a variation of poker that offers a very unique gaming experience to those who are looking for something a bit different. This game has been developed from the Chinese game which is called Pai Gow. The words Pai Gow mean to make nine. The original form of Pai Gow uses tiles that are similar to dominoes and dice. This game has a military style to it and is actually quite complicated. A huge change was made in the game during the 20th century when the game made its way to the US. This is when the game started being played with cards and made a hit with many card playing enthusiasts. In the game there can be as many as 6 players at the table and the players will go up against the dealer which makes some players think of blackjack.
In Pai Gow Poker a 52 count pack of cards is used, as well as one of the joker cards. In this game the joker card is the wild card and it can be used as one more ace. This is done in order for the player to complete certain winning hands and this card can be a very helpful one. Before the dealing of the cards each player will put up a stake. Each player will be dealt 7 cards and all players will look at their cards, with the exception of the dealer. The players will divide their cards in order to create two hands which will consist of a 2 card hand and a 5 card hand. The 5 card hand that the players create will mimic the hands played in poker with one important exception. Ace through 5 is the second highest straight and ranks right between ace through 10 and King through 9. The highest hand that a player can get is 5 aces. When it comes to the 2 card hand, a pair will beat unpaired cards.
When it comes to splitting their hands, the player must situate them so the 5 card hand comes out to be higher than the 2 card hand. At no stage of this game are players allowed to talk about the hands they have. The players will lay their hands down facing downwards. When all of the players are ready the dealer will expose their 7 cards. From this point forward the players are not allowed to touch their cards. At this point the dealer will form two hands out of their exposed 7 cards. Once the dealer is done all of the player’s cards will be exposed. Each player’s hands will be compared to the dealer’s. In order for the player to win any money they must win both hands. Otherwise, it is a push, or the dealer wins. If a hand is tied then the dealer automatically wins that hand.
This game is an interesting one that many players return to play after giving it a try. It has all the elements of a great card game. A lot of players like the fact that the game has similarities to both poker and blackjack, both of which are two of the most popular casino games. This game is gaining more and more popularity as more players take note of what it offers. The online casinos give players a convenient environment they can turn to in order to learn the game and play it whenever they want. However, the Pai Gow Poker games in the land based casinos also draw in a good following of loyal players.
Top 5 recommended Pai Gow Poker casinos:
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