How to Play Pai Gow Poker Online

Pai Gow Poker is a popular and exciting card game that blends the elements of traditional Chinese dominoes with the thrill of poker. With the advent of online casinos, players in Singapore can now enjoy this fascinating game from the comfort of their homes.

This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to play Pai Gow Poker online at an online casino Singapore website, ensuring you have a great time while increasing your chances of winning.

The Basics of Pai Gow Poker

Before diving into the online gaming world, it’s essential to grasp the basics of Pai Gow Poker. The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, plus a Joker.

The objective is to create two poker hands – a five-card hand and a two-card hand – that beat the dealer’s corresponding hands. The five-card hand must have a higher poker rank than the two-card hand.

Understanding Hand Rankings

Familiarize yourself with standard poker hand rankings as they apply to Pai Gow Poker. The highest hand is five Aces (including the Joker) and the lowest is a High Card.

Setting Your Hands

For the five-card hand, use standard poker hand rankings to determine the strength of your hand. Optimize this hand for the best possible combination, such as straights, flushes, and pairs.

For the two-card hand, focus on achieving the highest possible pair. This is because the two-card hand’s highest rank is a pair of aces, and the second highest is a pair of kings.

Remember, the joker can be used to complete a straight or a flush in the five-card hand. If it cannot be used for either purpose, it will act as an ace in the high hand or a part of a straight or a flush in the low hand.

Comparing Hands with the Dealer

Once all players have formed their hands, the dealer reveals their own hand and proceeds to compare each player’s high and low hands against theirs.

Possible Outcomes

There are three possible outcomes after comparing a player’s two hands (high hand and low hand) against the dealer’s corresponding hands:

Player Wins Both Hands

The best outcome for a player is when both their high hand and low hand beat the dealer’s respective hands. In this scenario, the player wins the bet. Winning both hands is the primary goal in Pai Gow Poker, as it results in a payout for the player.

Dealer Wins Both Hands

On the opposite end, if both the player’s high hand and low hand are weaker than the dealer’s corresponding hands, the player loses the bet. Losing both hands is the least favorable outcome in Pai Gow Poker, as it results in the player forfeiting their wager.

Push (Tie)

A push occurs when one of the player’s hands wins against the dealer, while the other hand loses. In this case, the player’s bet is returned, and no money changes hands. While not as advantageous as winning both hands, it’s still a better result than losing both hands, as the player doesn’t lose their wager.

Dealer Rules

The dealer at any online casino Singapore website follows specific rules when arranging their hands. The dealer must set their hand according to a predetermined “house way” or casino-specific rules. These rules dictate the dealer’s hand formation based on the rank of their cards. They have no decision-making power and must adhere to the established guidelines.

Winning and Losing Bets

If both the player’s hands beat the dealer’s hands, the player wins even money on their bet, minus a small commission (usually 5%) paid to the casino. If both the player’s hands lose to the dealer’s hands, the player loses their bet. In case of a push, the player’s bet is returned, and no money is exchanged.

Strategies for Winning

Balancing Your Hands

One of the main strategies in Pai Gow Poker is finding the right balance between your two hands. Avoid creating a very strong five-card hand at the expense of the two-card hand, as it may result in a “foul” and you’ll lose the bet.

Banking Option

In online Pai Gow Poker, players have the option to be the banker. This provides a slight advantage, but it also means covering the bets of other players. Consider your bankroll and the risks involved before opting to be the banker.

Conclusion

Pai Gow Poker is a captivating card game that can be easily enjoyed at online casino Singapore sites. Understanding the basics, hand rankings, and possible outcomes is crucial for success in Pai Gow Poker.

By employing smart strategies and balancing your hands effectively, you can increase your chances of winning and make the most out of your online gaming adventure in Pai Gow Poker. So, get ready to have a fantastic time and try your luck at this fascinating casino game!