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How To Play Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker combines the elements of the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow and the American game of Poker. It is played with a traditional deck of 52 cards plus one joker. The joker can be used only as an Ace or to complete a straight, flush, straight flush or royal flush.

A random number appears on the table to determine which player receives the first cards.

Each player and the Banker receives seven cards. The cards are arranged into two hands a two card hand and a five card hand. The five card hand must be higher in rank than the two card hand. Traditional poker rankings are used (Ace, 2,3, 4, 5 is the second highest straight in Pai Gow.)

All winning hands are paid even money minus a 5% commission.

The player must beat both of the bankers hands to win. If only one hand is higher, the player pushes (does not win or lose). If neither of the players hands are higher the player loses. The Banker wins all ties (if the player and Bankers hands rank exactly the same).