How to Play Draw High Low

Draw High Low or also known as Draw Hi-Lo (or simply Hilo) is a card game that is mainly targeted to the beginner players who are getting started with card games. However, this does not mean that the experienced gamblers cannot enjoy it from time to time – in fact, it can be pretty interesting. There are many types of gambling games like these – you get to choose one of the two possibilities, and if you’re right – you win the money!

How to Play Draw High Low

The Rules of Draw High Low

The only thing that the player is required to do in this game is to choose whether the card is higher or lower than the card that is already uncovered. If you guess right, you win according to the paytable. If you guess wrong, you lose.

The Betting in Draw High Low

The player places bets before the first card is drawn. The bets are placed in chips and they must be anywhere between the minimum and the maximum limits that the casino allows.

Draw High Low Dealing Process

When the first card is drawn, you are being offered whether to go with “higher” or with “lower”. The highest card is Kind and the Ace stands for the lowest. You are immediately giver with odds for your choices.

For example, if the drawn card is a 3, your odds for choosing the “higher” option will be much lower as it is more likely for the next card to be higher than a 3.

However, the game does not end there, and you can continue adding up your odds and come up with a really nice sum if you are lucky.

Let’s say that the next drawn card is a 5. If you opted for a “higher” option on a 3, you won and now you are given with different odds for your “lower” or “higher” options since 5 has become your base card. Now, the odds for “higher” will be a bit bigger and the option for the “lower” a bit smaller.

The dealing process ends in two ways – you either miss and lose all or you decide to cash out your winnings. Make sure not to get carried away as the game is pretty fast-paced and there is actually no room for slow thinking – you either got to follow your intuition or deduction logic.

Strategy for Playing Draw High Low

Being a simple 2-choice card game, there is no particular strategy that you should focus on when playing. All you have to do is to wisely place your bets and manage your money. It is important to always know when to stop and exit the game as a winner.

Should you decide, however, to try card counting, you could always minimize the risk but it still does not provide you with enough info so that you can actually cheat the system. In other words, try to play this game with intuition and without getting hyped when you manage to get several wins in a row.

How to Play Red Dog

Red Dog is a card game that is considered a form of poker (it is also known as Red Dog Poker or Yablon). The game used to be popular in the past but its popularity slowly declined until online casinos re-introduced it and it started gaining enormous popularity.

Before we proceed to explanation (the game is pretty simple, you’ll see), it is important to make a distinction between two different card games, both called Red Dog. The one we’re going to talk about is an American game, while there is also a Polish Red Dog (also known as Stitch and Polski Pachuck). They are both games included in casinos and are not really related to each other in terms of the rules.

How to Play Red Dog

Betting in Red Dog

The beginning of the game is marked by players making wagers on the betting spot. When the betting is done, the dealer then places two cards up.

Dealing in Red Dog

The first rule of Red Dog Poker is that if the cards that are placed on the table are two consecutive cards, the wagers are returned to the players and everything starts once again.

The dealing will also end if the third dealt card is the same as the first two and in that case, the players win 11:1. If this is not a case, the push happens and the actual game starts.

Playing Red Dog

If there is no pair or three-of-a-kind such as in the case mentioned above, the game continues and the dealer announces spread and the odds.

The concept of spread is basically the number between the two face-up cards on the table. For example, if the two cards are 2 and 8, the spread is 5 as there are 5 numbers between 2 and 8. In other words, it is a gap between the two cards.

Simply, if the spread is higher, you are more likely to win. However, the higher spread will also bring lower odds. For example, a spread of 5 will have lower odds than the spread of 2.

Objective of Red Dog

Simply, before the third card is drawn, you have to guess whether it is going to be between the other two face-up cards. In other words, you bet whether it is going to be in the spread. Usually, a spread of 4 or more will have 1:1 odds, while the best odds are, of course, for the spread of 1 and it is usually 5:1.

Values of Cards in Red Dog

Since a lot of counting is done in this game, 2 is seen as the lowest value in the game. However, high cards are also given values and here they are:

  • Jack = 11
  • Queen = 12
  • King = 13
  • Ace = 14

For example, if you receive a 2 and an Ace as the two initial cards, the spread will be 11 and it would be very likely that the third card drawn will full under the spread.

How to Play Ride’m Poker

If you like the traditional poker game, you are likely to also like Ride’m Poker as it is basically a variant to the original poker with certain extra things added to it. The basis is the same and you can play up to three hands in order to maximize the potential of winning.

How to Play Ride’m Poker

Betting in Ride’m Poker

It is important to know how to place bets before you start to play this type of Poker. It is played with a 52-card deck and you get to choose how much you want to bet before you the dealing begins. If you play this game online, you can just select the appropriate chips (chips are usually used for Ride’m Poker) and set your bet. However, your bet is placed as three separate bets. This means that if you choose to place a chip worth 5, you will automatically place three such chips.

Dealing in Ride’m Poker

In the beginning, you are given three cards which you can see and there are two cards which are placed face-down and which are basically community cards.

Playing in Ride’m Poker

Once you take a look at the three cards that you are given, you are provided with two options – either to pass or to ride. Passing means that you will take one of your three bets back while the ride option means that you will “ride on” with all three bets still being placed.

When you choose your option, one card from the table is turned face-up and now you get to choose once again whether you want to pass or to ride. This time, the second card is turned upside and it is decided whether you won or not.

This is when the traditional poker rules come in – if you managed to create one of the winning card combinations that exist in poker, you are up for the win. If you do not have any valuable combinations, you lose your bet (if you chose “ride” option both times, you will lose all three bets, while “pass” would’ve helped you lose just one bet).

Objective of Ride’m Poker

If you played traditional poker, you are very likely to be familiar with the objectives. As you know, you do not actually play here against the dealer, but rather against yourself. This means that your only objective in the game is to create a winning hand – everything else will mean that you lost.

Strategy in Ride’m Poker

In this Poker, you do not actually have an option to hold, and you must play all three hands – you only get to choose how much you lost. The strategy is quite simple here – if you are not doing great with the initial three cards, it is always wise to pass rather than to ride.

Since this game is easy and slow-paced it is always a good idea to play it with smaller amounts. Its design and the rules are simply not made for the high-rollers but for the people who enjoy occasionally playing poker.

How to Play Three Cards Rummy

Three Cards Rummy is a perfect combination of the once popular game called Gin Rummy and Tree Cards Poker. The game uses a standard 52-card pack with the aces being a substitute for one and face cards being worth 10 each. The main goal of the game is to have fewer points than the dealer.

Three Cards Rummy is rather easy to grasp and it is very relaxing game as not much thinking needs to be done – it is mainly for the players who are looking for casual play!

How to Play Three Card Rummy

Betting in Three Cards Rummy

Betting in this game begins before the cards are dealt. The player must use chips and place the ante bet. If you are playing the online version, just click on the chips that you want to bet.

There is another round of betting that happens after the player gets their cards. The second bet is not obligatory and it is up to you to decide whether to place the second bet as well.

Dealing in Three Cards Rummy

As soon as the bets are placed, the dealer deals three cards to the player and the three cards remain face-down on the table. In this game, basically, the player plays against the dealer and the face-down cards are actually dealer’s hand.

Three Cards Rummy Main Game

When the player receives the three cards face-up, they need to count their value and place their bets accordingly. The goal is to have fewer points than the dealer and as soon as you see your initial score, you can decide whether to raise bets or fold.

The score is calculated by simply adding the value of the cards. If you have, say a 3, a 5 and a Jack, your total score is 18.

However, the total score can be reduced, and that is usually when you have a pair or three-of-a-kind. For example, if you have two jacks and a 3, you will have a total score of 3 since the two jacks have a value of 0. If you manage to have three-of-a-kind, their total value would be 0.

The same applies to the cards of the same suit in consecutive order. For example, if you have 4 and 5 of hearts and an Ace, you will have a total sum of 1 point. If you happen to have, say, 3,4 and 5 of hearts, the total number of your points will be equal to 0.

Three Cards Rummy Strategy

The strategy in this game is pretty simple – try to get the best result. If you have more than 20 points altogether, the best strategy would be to fold as the dealer needs to have less than 20 points in order to be able to participate at all.

If you have a very good hand, it is only logical to place the second bet as well and hope for the best. Other than that, there are no particular in-depth strategies that you should follow.

How to Play Craps

Although it may seem confusing at first, do not worry – Craps is actually a simple game, and once you get the handle of it, you are in for hundreds of hours of fun. Although there are rules for every bet, it only takes a couple of games before you master it completely.

How to Play Craps

What Do You Need to Play Craps?

The Craps is played on a table which is made for this game and on which you can see different types of bets. These are located in every casino nowadays and it is extremely popular game. Apart from that, the main instrument for playing Craps are 2 dice.

The Pass Line on the Table

The table may look complex, but the only bet that is played the most is the “Pass Line” bet (which is also the one that is confusing to the newcomers) where the players put chips before the game begins.

You simply then do a come-out roll and cast the dice. If you get a  7 or 11, you’ve won. On the other hand, if you win 2,3 or 12 you lose. But what about the other numbers?

If your come-out roll is 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10, you just got the point number. This means that you have to get that number in the following rolls in order to win. If you get a seven during these rolls – you lost.

For example, if 3 becomes your point number, and you roll five numbers as follows: 5, 6, 8, 11, and 12 you did nothing and you must continue before you either get a 3 and win or get a 7 and lose.

Other types of bets on the table include:

  • Come – these bets are placed after the point is established
  • Don’t Pass – contrary to Pass Line, you win if you get 2 or 3 and lose on 7 and 11 (12 is a push)
  • Don’t Come – inverted come
  • Odds Bets – side bets placed after the established point
  • Place Lose – after a point, you get to choose one of the numbers and win if 7 is rolled before those numbers
  • Place Win – you win if the chosen number is rolled before 7
  • Buy Bets – similar to place win with higher wins and a 5% commission
  • Lay Bets – similar to place lose with higher wins and a 5% commission
  • Big 6 and Big 8 – win if a 6 or an 8 is rolled before 7
  • Hardways – a hard number is a double (hard 8 is a double 4)
  • Field Bet – win if you get 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 or 12, lose if you get other numbers
  • Proposition Bet – straightforward prediction for the next roll

As you can see, each of these bets is available and it takes more experience before the player can make a strategy that incorporates several of other bets as well.

Strategies for Playing Craps

There are hundreds of strategies for playing Craps, but several basic ones can be suggested to the beginners:

  1. Always bet a Pass Line bet on a come-out roll.
  2. Make an Odds bet whenever a point is established as it often has 0 house edge in online casinos
  3. Avoid placing proposition bets as they are considered the worst type of bets and usually ignored as they are settled after only one roll.
  4. Learn the Craps lingo as you will have to constantly communicate with other players and the dealer – it’s what makes this game so interesting and intense.

How to Play Triple Edge Poker

Triple Edge Poker is a Poker variant that has recently gained attention of poker players. It is played with a 52-card deck and there is a maximum of three seats available per game. The game is popular in online casinos and it is created by Betsoft Gaming. It is much like the European type of poker called 3 Card Poker, except that it has another game incorporated in it which allows the players to place another side bet (Pair Plus).

How to Play Triple Edge Poker

Placing Bets in Triple Edge Poker

You get to place ante bets in the ante field using chips before the card are dealt. Once you take a look at the three cards given to you, you can choose whether you want to ride with another bet of the same value or to fold.

The previously mentioned Pair Plus bet is also an option and there is a separate field marked with “Pair Plus” where you can place additional chips.

Dealing in Triple Edge Poker

The players basically play against the dealer in this game as they get three cards that are face-up and the three cards are placed face-down and they are considered dealer’s hand. No further dealing is done in the game.

The Main Triple Edge Poker Game

There is not much to say about the main game – you need to be lucky enough to have better cards than the dealer in order to win the game. Different combinations have different payouts, and here are the best paying combinations and their odds:

  • Straight Flush pays 5 to 1
  • Three of a Kind pays 4 to 1
  • Straight pays 1 to 1

If you decide to play the side bet (Pair Plus) you have a different paytable and it goes as follows:

  • Straight Flush pays 40 to 1
  • Three of a Kind pays 30 to 1
  • Straight pays 6 to 1
  • Flush pays 4 to 1
  • Pair pays 1 to 1

Now, the Pair Plus game does not consider the dealer at all. All that matters in this sub-game is what the player currently has in their hands. The better their cards are – the higher the odds.

In order for the dealer to qualify for the base Triple Edge Poker game, they must have a Queen high ranking at least. If the dealer fails to qualify, the player gets paid out at even odds for the ante bet and the side bet is treated as push and returned to the player.

Strategy for Playing Triple Edge Poker

The game is pretty straightforward and there are no particular detailed strategies that you should implement when playing Triple Edge Poker.

The only thing to consider is the cards in your hand and whether it is worth clicking ride or giving up by clicking “Fold”.It’s simple, if you have any kind of card combination that can be made with three cards that you hold, you will probably want to ride. On the other hand, if your cards cannot be connected in any way and they are of low value, the best strategy is to fold.

How to Play Video Poker

Video poker was introduced in the 70s and the people back then did not really understand how powerful video poker actually was. However, it did not take long before it gained worldwide popularity, and it is now one of the most popular poker games online.

There have been several attempts to make variations of the traditional video poker, but the one with five cards and Jacks or Better type of game still remains #1. Let’s see how it is played!

How to Play Video Poker

Placing a Bet in Video Poker

The traditional Video Poker machines would allow you to very limited betting options, while the new video poker games are more versatile when it comes to that. However, the principle is the same, you place a bet before you are given 5 cards and the bigger the bet is, the bigger your winnings will be if you manage to have a winning hand.

Dealing in Video Poker

Now, there are no other players in this type of game and there is actually no dealer. It is just you against yourself and the goal is to create a winning hand. However, the process of dealing is done 2 times.

The first is the initial dealing and it is conducted after you place a bet. When you take a look at your cards, you get to choose which ones you want to hold. Those which are not labeled as “hold” are replaced in the second dealing.

The Main Game in Video Poker

There is actually no main game in this type of poker. It is basically just that – you get the cards and replace the ones that you do not think fit well in hope for the better ones. Once they are chosen, you get to see whether you won according to the paytable that is usually displayed right above.

Here is the list of the standard winning hands in video poker, listed from the highest to the lowest:

  • Royal Flush
  • Straight Flush
  • Four of a Kind
  • Full House
  • Flush
  • Straight
  • Three of a Kind
  • Two Pair
  • Jacks or Better

The Jacks of Better means that if you have one pair in your hand it will be counted only if that pair is either Jacks or a pair of cards that are better than jacks (Queen, King, Ace)

Strategy for Video Poker

It is always a good idea to hold those cards which you already have doubles – if they are Jacks or Better, that’s great as you have a pair for sure!

Do not forget to think about the suits of the cards as they are important for flushes. Say you have four cards in hearts and the fifth one is a different suit. You’ll want to hold there four as you have ¼ chance to get a flush.

The same way, do not forget to observe the number of cards so that you can have a straight.

It may seem difficult at first to follow all aspects at once, but this is quickly acquired!

How to Play Online Roulette

There’s nothing like a classic casino game. And Online Roulette is one of them. It doesn’t matter what online casino you’re in, you can never miss the iconic wheel on the table. And one of the best things about it, it’s easy to play. So whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned casino player, Online Roulette will never disappoint. Here’s a look at the rules, odds and tips to get the best out of the game.

How to Play Online Roulette

Game Rules

Although it is an easy game to play, you must remember, it’s a game a chance. The objective of the game is to guess where the ball will land once the wheel has spun. You can bet on a color (red or black) and numbers (single or groups).

To kick off the game, you have to decide on how much you want to bet and in which section of the table you’d like to place it on. You can vary the bets you place on the table. Once you’ve placed your bets, hit the Spin button and wait for the wheel
the stop. You’ll find out instantly if you won or not.

Types of Bets

Within the rules of Online Roulette, it states that you can bet on more than just one number. Here are the possible bets you can do:

  1. A single number up to 36
  2. A line, meaning you bet on 2 numbers
  3. From 1 to 2 rows
  4. A Corner
  5. Groups of 1 to 18 or 19 to 36
  6. The color red or black
  7. Odd or even number
  8. 1st 12, 2ns 12 or 3rd 12

Here’s a better explanation of each of the bets you can place:

  1. Dozens Bet: This is when you place a bet on twelve consecutive. If the roulette hits a 0 or 00, you lose the bet. If you win, it pays 2 to 1.
  2. Red or Black Bets: This when you bet on the color outcome. The number doesn’t matter in this case. Either bet pats 1 to 1.
  3. Column Bets: If you notice a row of numbers on the table, you will see 3 boxes that says “2 to 1”. Each box represents the column of numbers above it. If you place a bet within any of the boxes, that means that if any number within
    that column comes out as the winner, you get paid 2 to 1.
  4. High or Low Bets: There are two boxes on either end of the table, one with the numbers “1 to 18” and another from “19 to 36”. This bet is determined base on the out come of the spin. So, if any number between those ranges come
    out and you placed a chip on it, you win.
  5. Odd or Even Bets: This means that if you’re putting a bet on an odd or even number to come out in the next spin. There are boxes to place the chip. One important thing, 0 doesn’t count for either.

Online Roulette Odds

Since we’re focusing on the classic game we all know, which would be the American Roulette, it’s important to mention that due to the differences between the European version, the odds vary. In this case, we’re focusing on the 38 spaced wheel, meaning that you have 1/38 of winning a bet. Here’s a closer look at the probabilities to win based on the type of bet you place:

Bets

Payout

Probability

Odd1:0146.37%
Even1:0146.37%
Black1:0146.37%
Red1:0146.37%
18-Jan1:0146.37%
19-361:0146.37%
12-Jan2:0131.58%
13-242:0131.58%
25-362:0131.58%
Single Number35:01:002.63%
Combination of 2 Numbers17:015.26%
Combination of 3 Numbers11:017.89%
Combination of 4 Numbers8:0110.53%
Combination of 6 Numbers5:0115.79%
Combination of 1,2,3,0,006:0113.16%

Tips & Tricks

As mentioned at the beginning of this casino guide, it’s a game of chance, meaning that, . But there are ways to understand the game better, thus improving your time on the tables:

  • Pick out the Right Casino: Although all casinos have this game available, that doesn’t mean that all are the same. Be sure to research the place where you want to play, so it can be an enjoyable time for you.
  • Pick out the Right Roulette Variant: This important because there is a European version of the game and it has it’s differences. So be sure to choose the check out what the online casino offers and pick the one you think works
    best for you.
  • Understand the Odds Before Playing: For it to be an easy game, you can make good money,. But you have to know what you can get out the bet you make. The less spots you bet on, the higher the reward. If you bet on more spots, the
    payout is smaller. With one chip, you can do many types of bets, you just have to understand the odds first to make the best choice.

Roulette Glossary

It’s terrible to be lost at the table when you don’t understand something in particular. So, here’s a list of terms that can help in those times of need.

  • Chips: These are the coins used during a game with different values.
  • Corner Bet: This allows you to bet on four numbers which are linked together.
  • Croupier: This is the name used to refer to the dealer.
  • Game Layout: It’s the area of the roulette table which has the numbered slots.
  • Inside Bet: When you place a bet in the central numbered portion of the game layout.
  • Outside Bet: This is used when you place a chip in a space outside the numbered part of the game layout.
  • Slots: They are used to divide the number on the wheel
  • Street: It refers to a horizontal row of 3 numbered spaces in the game.
  • Parlay: This is to keep winnings from your previous bet on top of your current bet.
  • Green Numbers: These are the 0 and 00 on the table.
  • Neighbors: Those are the numbers on the right and left of the winning number
  • Trio: It’s a combination bet on 3 numbers at the same time

How to Play Online Baccarat

If you think of the oldest casino games in history, you must think of Baccarat. It’s been around for a long time and in this new world we live, it was natural for online casinos to transfer that experience to the comfort of your PC or mobile device. And better yet, it’s not a hard game to play. Here’s a look at the rules, odds, tips and other info that will help you understand and enjoy Online Baccarat.

How to Play Online Baccarat

Game Rules

The objective of the game is simple: A player can bet on either hand dealt on the table, this meaning the “player” or the “banker”. Whichever hand comes closest to 9, wins. One of the best things about this game is its low House Edge. If you bet on the player’s hand, its percentage is around 1.36%, while betting on the banker’s hand is at around 1.17%.

Types of Bets

If you choose betting on the player’s hand, you must place your chips in the “Player” area. After the drawing and dealing is done, if that hand is higher than the dealer’s, you win even money and no commission is charged. The house edge for this bet is at 1.29%.

Just like the player’s hand, you can choose the banker’s hand by placing a chip in the “Banker” area. And if that hand is greater than the player’s, you win even money, but you are charged a standard 5% commission fee on the amount you won.
The house edge on this hand is 1.01%. If you choose betting on a tie, you have to place your chips on the “Tie” area or the number on your seat. This bet pays 8 to 1 with no commission.

Online Baccarat Odds

Since Online Baccarat has its variety of games, we’ll be focusing on the most popular one used the most in any casino. These odds are based on a shoe containing 8 decks, which is the one that’s
commonly used.

Banker

Player

Tie

Win %

Payoff

Edge

Win %

Payoff

Edge

Win %

Payoff

Edge

45.8%

.95 to 1

1,01%

44.6%

1 to 1

1.29%

9.5%

8 to 1

14.4%

One other detail you might have to consider is that there are rule variations. By this I mean that there can be a 9 to 1 payout on a Tie Bet. With this condition, the house edge on these bets drops to around 4.5% to 6.4%. Even though it’s better than
the 8 to 1 payout, it’s still looked at as the worse payout in Baccarat.

Tips and Tricks

It might be a simple game, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a guarantee win. There some tips you can take into account before making your bets. Let’s see how you can get the best experience playing Online Baccarat:

  • Check the Odds: It’s always important to do this before playing. Although it’s a standard to charge a 5% commission on Banker bets, some casinos might charge even more. So check the odds out to see if they benefit you.
  • Never Make a Tie Bet: As mentioned before, Baccarat has very low house edges on 2 o the 3 bets it has. By the simple fact of having a house edge of 14.4%, meaning that you lose 14.4 units for every 100 bets. So, the best advice
    is to stay away from this. Stick with the banker or player bets.
  • Bet on the Banker’s Hand: This bet has a slight chance of winning over 50% of the time. Therefore, a commission is charged to not give an edge to the player. Don’t be fooled by that and bet on it. Keep in mind the house edge it
    has, so don’t be too aggressive with the amount you bet.
  • Know How to Manage Your Money: To put it in other words, playing baccarat is like betting on a coin flip. So it’s important to know how much you have in case you are on a losing streak. A good piece of advice for this is to divide
    the amount of funds. So after a certain amount, if you’re not winning, it’s best to try something else.
  • Take It Easy: You might get the house edge in your favor from time to time, but it’s not forever. It’s not a bad idea to play short sessions. So, as a suggestion, try to put an amount of sessions you want to play and stick with
    it. It’s more likely to keep the profits you have once you complete the sessions then to keep on playing, having a high risk of losing it.

Online Baccarat Glossary

Here are a few terms that can help you out when playing a round of Online Baccarat:

  • Baccarat: It’s the worst in the game, which is the count of zero.
  • Banco: Another way to say the banker.
  • Bankroll: Total betting amount a player has.
  • Burning: This is when you discard the top 3 to 6 cards after shuffling before the start of a round.
  • Caller: This is the dealer at the table.
  • Carte: It’s a French word to request a card from the dealer.
  • Face Cards: These are the Jack, Queen and King of any suit.
  • Fading: Another way to say placing bets.
  • La Grande: This is when you hit a natural total of nine in Baccarat.
  • La Petite: This occurs when you hit a natural total of eight.
  • Monkey: It’s a slang for a face card or a ten.
  • Natural: When the two cards total an eight or a nine.
  • Palette: This is the long flat wooden stick that the dealers use to move the card on the table.
  • Pass: It’s a win
  • Punto: Another way to say the player.
  • Push: It’s a tie between the dealer and player and the money is held over until the next round.
  • Shoe: This is an automatic dealing machine that prevents accidents in the dealing process.
  • Shooter: This is used to say the bank
  • Standoff: A situation like this happens when the player and banker are joined in a tie.

How to Play Pai Gow for Free or Real Cash

Also known as double-hand poker, Pai Gow Poker is a modern, casino table game based upon the ancient Chinese dominoes game. While the two versions share some basics, the card game features a series of variations that make the game unique. Instead of the traditional tiles, Pai Gow Poker uses a standard 52-card deck and one joker. The game is played on a six seat table and the goal is to create two poker hands out of the seven-card hand. The joker can be used as an ace or a wild card to complete a straight, a flush or straight flush only.

How to Play Pai Gow for Free or Real Cash

Game Rules

The rules for this game are quite simple. In Pai Gow, players go against the banker, but unlike many casino games, players can chose serve as the bank, although, that would require a large bankroll in case the player losses the bet.

At the beginning of each hand, players have to place a bet, then players are dealt seven cards and have to make two poker hands: A five-card hand and a two-card hand. The five-card hand is also called “behind”, or the “bottom,” “high,” or “big” hand. The two-card hand is called “in front”, “on top”, or the “small,” “minor,” or “low” hand.

Keep in mind the following: the five card hand has to be higher than the two-card hand. In other words, if you are dealt K-K-6-9-7-10-J and you can‘t go with a flush, you must take the K-K as part of the five-card poker hand, not the two-card poker hand.

The Joker

Unlike other card games where the Joker acts like a wild card, the joker in Pai Gow, which is called a “bug”, only acts as an ace unless it can be used to fill out a straight or a flush. Additionally, the extra joker adds the possibility to beat even the strongest hand (Royal Flush), since you have the possibility of hitting a five of a kind.

Once players have set their two poker hands, they reveal their hands. If both of your hands beat the Banker’s hands, then you win. Now, if only one of your hands beats the Bankers and one loses, it is a push and there are no winners. If both of your hands have the same value as the Banker’s hand, it is a tie (also called a copy) and the Banker wins. In another case, if the Banker’s two hands beats both of your hands, you lose your bet.

Basic Pai Gow Strategy

  • No pair, then use your highest card in the back and second and third highest in front.
  • One pair, place it in the back hand, and use the highest two cards in front.
  • Two pair J trough A, place the small pair in front.
  • Two pair 7’s thru 10’s, place both pairs in back if you can put Ace in front.
  • If you hit two pair 2’s thru 6’s, place both pairs in back if you can put King in front; otherwise split. If you hit three pair, place the big pair in front.
  • 3 of a kind (Aces) place an Ace and next highest card in front.
  • 3 of a kind (Kings and below), place three of a kind in back; two highest cards in front.
  • Two 3 of a kind sets, place a pair from higher set in front.
  • A Straight, Flush or Straight Flush with NO PAIR, place the two highest cards in front that leave a complete hand in back.
  • A Straight, Flush or Straight Flush with ONE PAIR, place two highest cards possible (pair or no pair) in front that leave a complete hand in back.
  • If a Full House is hit, put pair in front and three of a kind in back.
  • If you hit Four of a Kind (Jacks thru Aces), always split and put one pair in front and one in back.
  • Four of a Kind (7’s thru 10’s) place four of a kind in back if you can put Ace or King in front; otherwise split.
  • Four of a Kind (6’s or Below) do not split as long as you can put a card higher than the 4 of a kind in front.
  • Hitting Four of a Kind with a Pair, play four of a kind in back; pair in front.
  • Hitting Four of a Kind with Three of a Kind, put highest pair in front; full house in back.
  • If you hit Five Aces, place pair of Aces in front.