Pai Gow Poker can be intimidating to the rank novice but it is relatively simple to play once you understand the basic rules of the game. This article takes a look at some of those rules and will help your understanding of this variation of poker.

Pai Gow can be an extremely slow game at times and may frustrate those used to a fast and frantic game of Texas Hold'em. There are a number of "pushes" which makes for a annoying game for new players. If you can understand the rules, as with any game, you can appreciate the way Pai Gow is played.

To start, place your wager. After everyone places their bets, all players receive seven cards. Usually a random generated number will determine which player takes the first set of cards. Players then try to arrange the best five-card and two-card hand. The five card hand is ranked just like any other poker hand.

The dealer or banker will then arrange the banker hand according to the pre-set rules known as the "house way". The player's five card hand is compared to the dealer's five cards and then the two-card hands are compared.

During the comparison, the highest hand wins. If there is a match in both hands, it's called a copy and the tie becomes a default banker win. If the player beats the dealer with both hands, he or she is very lucky because they get paid even money and then gets to pay the house or bank a 5% commission. If a player wins one hand and loses the other, then the hand is a push. The entire bet is lost if the player has 2 losing hands.

Here's where it gets tricky. When setting the hands the two card hand can't be higher than the five-card hand. If it is then it is an automatic loser. The joker can be used to complete a straight, a flush, or a straight flush, otherwise anything else the joker plays as an ace.

Keep in mind, the player can elect to be the banker on their appropriate turn. There are several advantages to the player being the banker which can vary by rules of the casino. The bank is supposed to rotate with everyone getting the chance to be the banker, co-banking is an option for those who perhaps don't want to or can't carry the financial responsibility for the hand.

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