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Play Online Pai Gow Poker
Evolving from an ancient Chinese dominos game, Pai Gow poker was created by American Sam Torosian. Since its creation in 1985, Pai Gow has become a favourite for online poker players all over the globe in 2015 and no doubt beyond.
Our guide to playing online Pai Gow poker will help you to get more familiar with the game itself as well as gambling online generally. By the time you’re finished reading through it, you will be ready to put your skills into action at one of our recommended online gambling Pai Gow rooms.
Why choose from our gambling online casinos’ Pai Gow poker games?
- Accepts South Africa Players
- Make deposits and withdrawal in ZAR
- Big selection of Pai Gow games
- Exclusive offers and bonuses
How to play online Pai Gow Poker
Instead of dominos, Pai Gow uses a 52 deck of playing cards and 1 joker. Up to 6 players can join in on the game with the aim of beating the house. The joker can be used as a wild card or ace. It can only be used to complete a straight, flush or straight flush.
To begin, you will make your wager according to the table minimum. After shuffling, the dealer will distribute 7 stacks of cards. This is done whether or not there is the maximum number of players. A cup of 3 dice is shaken to determine who gets the first hand.
In Pai Gow Poker the Joker card serves as a wild that can be used to complete your hand.
From here, you will view your cards and divide them into 2 hands: One two-card hand and one five-card hand. The values of the five-card hands are the same as in poker. Except, the A2345 hand is the second highest type of a straight or straight flush. Four aces and a Joker, AAAAJ is the highest-ranking hand. The two-card hand is meant for pairs. Any pair will beat any pairs of unmatched cards.
When you are playing real money South Africa Pai Gow poker, you must arrange your cards so the five-card hand is higher than the two card hand.
Once you have your hands in place, you will put them face down. Now the dealer will expose his own cards and repeats the moves of the players.
After this, all players will make their hands visible. The winner is selected by comparing both hands to the dealers’ hands. If your hands are both higher than the dealers, you will be paid out by your initial amount wagered. If the dealer wins by one hand and you win the other, no real money is exchanged. This is called a “push”
If the dealer wins both hands, the dealer wins your stake.
If the dealer wins one hand and the other hand is tied, or if both hands are tied, the dealer wins. If one hand is tied, but you win the other, it is a push.
Pai Gow poker variations
Apart from the original Pai Gow, there are three primary variations at South African gambling online Pai Gow casinos. These include: No Push Pai Gow, where games cannot be tied; Pai Gow Mania, which includes two side bets and Fortune Pai Gow Poker, which takes away the skill element by judging your hand without splitting it into two. It’s worth consulting our complete guide to SA Pai Gow casino reviews to find out where you can try these variants.
Best bets and odds when playing Pai Gow poker
Before you start playing at an online Pai Gow poker casino, you will want to know the odds and house advantage. Keep in mind, that the ties are what give the house its edge.
- Tied hand: 41% of the time
- Player wins both hands: 29% of the time
- Dealer wins both hands: 30% of the time
You will also want to understand the chances of being dealt specific cards or hands. For example, you have a better chance at being dealt a pair than one high card. Upon a closer look you can get an idea of your probability being dealt a hand.
- High Card: 5/1
- One Pair: 7/5
- Two Pair: 7/2
- Straight: 13/1
- Three-of-a-Kind: 20/1
- Flush: 24/1
- Full House: 35/1
- Four-of-a-Kind: 500/1
- Straight Flush/ Royal Flush: 730/1
You can see from the above that the odds are in your favour. Thus, there is a real chance you will be dealt a quality hand which can bring you real cash. If you still don’t grasp it, we’ll put it to you another way. The odds of getting a straight flush in poker are a 1 in 72193 chance; whereas, in online Pai Gow SA poker, the odds are significantly less.
Always focus on building the strongest five-card hand you can, it’s the most important of the two.
Beginner strategy to playing Pai Gow poker online
Like other online gambling games, mastering Pai Gow will take direct practice, self-study and learning from past mistakes. Your main objective, apart from winning real money, is to lower the house edge. You can start by playing like the house would. Now, try some of the following:
1. When you have no pair, straight, or flush, play the highest card with your 5 card hand and the next two highest cards with the two card hand.
2. If you get a pair, use it to create a five-card hand, and the next best cards should be used for the two-card hand.
3. If you have three pairs, the best pair should be used to form the two card hand.
4. When you have a three of a kind, play them together, unless the cards are aces. Then you would pair the aces in the five-card hand and the remaining ace would act as the high card in the two card hand.
5. Your two card hand should never be higher than your five-card hand.
Finally, keep reading about gambling online Pai Gow strategy tactics and don’t forget to only spend what you can afford to lose.
We found the best online Pai Gow casinos for South Africa players
Playing Pai Gow sounds like a fun time, doesn’t it? If you are ready to test your skills and show the dealer who’s boss, head to our Pai Gow online casino ratings and reviews. Our top gambling operator picks accept South African players, offers action packed games and easy ZAR withdrawal methods.
Get your game on.
How does online Pai Gow work?
Online Pai Gow works by giving the player four dominos and challenging the player to create two different hands, a front hand and a rear hand. A player must beat the dealer’s front and rear hand to win a bet, or beat at least one of them to push and get his bet back once again.
Where can I find the best games?
The best Pai Gow games are available online at casinos known for good software and plenty players. These casinos specialize in offering quality games and work hard to produce the best playing options.
How does it compare to live casino Pai Gow?
Online Pai Gow is very similar to live Pai Gow and the only difference is that you don’t see the other players or the dealer. Games often go faster online because there is less going on and deals happen automatically.
Is it popular in South Africa?
Pai Gow isn’t very popular in South Africa but it is played in some casinos.
How much is it possible to win?
It’s possible to win more than R10,000 because many casinos allow bets as large as R1,000 while playing.
Is it fixed?
Pai gow online is not fixed and players have a good chance to win money while playing the game. These games rely on luck and some players will win while others will lose, which is completely fair.