Paigow Poker is a popular game that originated in China and is now played in casinos around the world. It is a unique blend of traditional poker and the Chinese game of Pai Gow. The game’s objective is to create two hands. One with five cards and the other with two cards, that beat the dealer’s hands. Like all casino games, Pai Gow Poker has a house edge. Which is the percentage of each bet that the casino expects to keep over the long run. Let’s unravel the mystery of Pai Gow Poker’s house edge and provide tips to help you beat it.
Unraveling the Mystery of Pai Gow Poker’s House Edge
The house edge in Pai Gow Poker is determined by two factors: the way the game is played and the commission that the casino charges on winning bets. The game is played with a standard 52-card deck, plus a joker that can be used as an ace or to complete a straight or flush. The dealer shuffles the cards and deals them into seven hands of seven cards each. The player must then arrange their cards into two hands – a five-card hand and a two-card hand. The five-card hand must be higher in rank than the two-card hand.
The commission charged by the casino on winning bets is usually 5%. This means that if you win a $10 bet, you’ll receive $9.50 ($10 minus 5% commission). The commission is taken from your winnings, not your original bet. This might not seem like a lot, but over time, it can add up. The house edge in Pai Gow Poker is around 2.84%, which is lower than many other casino games. However, it’s important to remember that the house always has the advantage in the long run.
Mastering Paigow Poker: Tips to Beat the House Edge
The key to beating the face up Pai Gow house edge in Pai Gow Poker is to make the best possible decisions when setting your hands. This means understanding the ranking of poker hands and the rules for setting your hands in Pai Gow Poker. It also means paying attention to the dealer’s hand and making strategic decisions based on the cards you’ve been dealt.
One common strategy in Paigow Poker is to set your five-card hand as high as possible, while still leaving a strong two-card hand. This gives you the best chance of winning at least one of the hands. It’s also important to pay attention to the dealer’s hand and make decisions based on the cards they’ve been dealt. For example, if the dealer has a strong five-card hand, you might want to focus on creating a strong two-card hand to try to beat them on that hand.
Another tip for beating the Pai Gow house edge is to manage your bankroll effectively. This means setting a budget for how much you’re willing to spend and sticking to it. It also means making smaller bets, as this can help reduce your losses over time. Finally, it’s important to have fun and enjoy the game, rather than focusing solely on winning.