Online Pai Gow Poker for Beginners
Pai Gow Poker might seem unfamiliar at first, but it’s easier to understand than it looks.
This guide walks you through the basics — from how the cards are dealt, to how hands are arranged and compared. It breaks down the rules in clear, simple terms and explains what makes the game different from other card-based casino games.
You’ll also find practical tips on choosing a version to play online and what to consider before placing a bet. Whether you’re learning out of interest, or want to give the game a try, this is a straightforward starting point that keeps things easy to follow.
Quick Pai Gow Poker Rundown
Pai Gow Poker is a card game played between a player and the dealer. It uses a standard 52-card deck along with one additional card called the Joker, bringing the total to 53.
In this game, you’re given seven cards. From those, you’re asked to split them into two separate hands — one with five cards and another with two. The aim is to try and create two poker hands that follow a ranked order, with the five-card hand being stronger than the two-card hand.
For example, if your seven cards include two Kings, a 10, a 9, a 7, a 4, and a 3, you might choose to place the Kings, 10, 9, and 7 in your five-card hand (creating a pair of Kings) and place the 4 and 3 in your two-card hand. You’ll then compare both of your hands to the dealer’s to determine the outcome.
Unlike some faster-paced card games, Pai Gow Poker usually moves at a slower rhythm. This gives players time to think about how they want to arrange their cards, which adds a layer of decision-making.
Joining a Pai Gow Poker Table Online
Pai Gow Poker isn’t available on every UK gambling site, so finding it might take a bit of searching. When browsing online casinos, look under sections such as “Card Games”, “Table Games”, or “Poker Variants”. It’s usually listed separately from traditional poker titles.
Before playing, you’ll be asked to create an account and verify your age. This step is required by law in the UK, and helps ensure all players are 18 or over. You’ll typically need to provide proof of identity, such as a driving licence or passport, and confirm your address.
Some websites offer digital versions of Pai Gow Poker, which are computer-dealt games using Random Number Generator (RNG) software. Others may have a live version, which involves a real dealer and a live video stream. Both formats work in a similar way, but may differ in design, speed, or features.
It may be worth checking the table limits before joining a game. These limits show the minimum and maximum bet sizes, usually in pounds sterling (£). For instance, one game might allow bets between £1 and £100, while another might have a range of £5 to £500. If the game includes extra features like side bets, these will be shown in the game info section.
Play Pai Gow Poker Following These Rules
The rules of Pai Gow Poker are straightforward once you see them in action. Both you and the dealer are dealt seven cards. Your task is to create two separate hands:
- A five-card “high” hand, using standard poker rankings.
- A two-card “low” hand, made up of the remaining two cards.
Your five-card hand must be stronger than your two-card hand.
For example, if your five-card hand has a pair of Queens and your two-card hand has a pair of Threes, that would be acceptable. But if you placed the higher pair in the two-card hand, your hand would be declared “fouled” and would automatically lose.
The Joker card is used with restrictions. It can act as an Ace or help complete certain combinations, like a straight (five cards in a row) or a flush (five cards of the same suit). It cannot replace just any card to form any hand.
Once hands are set, each of your two hands is compared to the dealer’s corresponding hands.
- If both your hands beat the dealer’s, your bet wins.
- If one hand wins but the other loses, it’s a tie (known as a “push”) and your stake is returned.
- If both hands lose, your bet is lost.
In some cases, if a hand is tied with the dealer’s hand, the dealer is considered the winner for that hand.
Many versions apply a 5% commission on any winning bets. So, for example, if you wager £10 and win, your return would be £19.50 (your original stake plus £9.50 winnings).
Understanding Hand Strengths
Pai Gow Poker uses the same ranking system as traditional poker for its five-card hands. From strongest to weakest, these are:
- Five Aces (only possible with the Joker)
- Royal Flush (A-K-Q-J-10 of the same suit)
- Straight Flush (five consecutive cards of the same suit)
- Four of a Kind (four cards of the same value)
- Full House (three of one card and two of another)
- Flush (five cards of the same suit, not in order)
- Straight (five cards in order, mixed suits)
- Three of a Kind (three cards of the same value)
- Two Pair (two sets of pairs)
- One Pair (a single pair)
- High Card (no matching cards, just the highest card)
Your two-card hand can either be a pair or two single cards. If both you and the dealer have the same hand type, the winner is the one with the highest card. For example, a pair of Jacks would beat a pair of Tens.
It’s worth noting that the use of the Joker and the way you choose to split your cards can affect the strength of your hands. Decisions made during the hand-splitting stage can impact the outcome of the round.
How to Read Pai Gow Payouts
In most UK versions of Pai Gow Poker, if both your hands beat the dealer’s, you win even money, usually at a payout of 1:1. That means a £10 win returns £10, minus any commission. A 5% commission on £10 winnings would leave you with £19.50 in total (your original stake plus £9.50 profit).
If you only win one of the two hands, your bet is returned and the round is called a “push”. No money is lost or won in this case. If both of your hands are beaten by the dealer’s, you lose your entire bet.
Some games include optional side bets, which offer potential payouts for specific hand types, like a Full House or Straight Flush, regardless of whether you win the main round. These often have larger payouts, but are separate from the standard game outcome. The possible return on side bets is usually lower over time, as they carry a higher house edge. Not all versions of the game will include these extras.
Because every provider and software version may have slightly different payout structures, it can be helpful to check the paytable within the game before placing any bets.
Where Online Gamblers Play Pai Gow
Pai Gow Poker isn’t one of the most common games on UK gambling sites, so not all operators include it in their game selection. When it is available, you’ll usually find it offered by larger platforms with broader game libraries.
Some providers offer software-based versions with pre-set dealing patterns, while others host live dealer options with a human croupier. Game layout, pace, side bet availability, and visual design can vary depending on which version you play.
Before registering, take time to explore the site’s full games list to make sure Pai Gow Poker is available in a format that suits you. Some games may focus more on automated play, while others might place emphasis on interaction or detailed table designs.
All UK-licensed gambling websites are required to verify players’ age and identity, and must provide support tools for safer gambling. Features such as deposit limits, loss tracking, time-outs and reality checks can be found in your account settings.
Pai Gow Poker involves both strategy and chance, so outcomes can’t be predicted or guaranteed.
Set a budget, avoid chasing losses, and take breaks if needed. If it stops being enjoyable, it’s okay to step away.
If gambling becomes hard to manage, free and confidential support is available from organisations like GambleAware and GamCare.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.