Pai Gow strategy
The house advantage over the player is around 2.5%; however when
the player is the banker (dealer) the game is close to even. So
one of the best strategies is to be the banker as frequently as
possible. For example let’s say the player is banker half the
time that would mean tat the house edge would go down to about half,
around 1.25%. These numbers assume that the player will split his
hands in the same manner as the house (the house way).
When the player is banking he is playing a close to break even
game, this it true because of the advantage the banker has from
winning ties. Also there is another factor, the 5% commission that
is paid by the banker on winning hands, gets charged after losses
are settled against winnings.
The house way
The way the house arrange the cards, meaning the rules that
determine how the dealer will split his seven cards into the best
possible two hands. Basically how the dealer arrange his cards,
it is safe to assume the casinos always arrange the cards close
to optimal but the rules can vary slightly from casino to casino.
Example of the house way:
| No pair: |
Place the highest card in the 5 card hand
and the next two highest cards in the 2 card hand. |
| One pair: |
Place the pair in 5 card hand and the next
two highest cards in the 2 card hand. |
| Two pair: |
Ace and any other pair - always split.
Face card pair and pair 6's or higher - always split
Any two pair 6's or under - never split
With any other 2 pair, split unless the hand contains an ace
- then play the ace in the 2 card hand |
| Three pair: |
Always play highest pair in 2 card hand. |
| Three of a kind:
|
Always play three of a kind in 5 card hand
except break up three aces.
Two three of a kinds - play the lowest 3 of a kind as the 5
card hand and split the higher 3 of a kind |
| Straight: |
Keep as the 5 card hand.
6 card straight - use the highest card in the 2 card hand.
5 or 6 card straight with a pair - use the pair as the 2 card
hand.
Straight with 2 pair - play the 2 pair rule. |
| Flush: |
Keep as the 5 card hand.
6 card flush - use the highest card in the 2 card hand.
5 or 6 card flush with a pair - use the pair as the 2 card hand.
Flush with 2 pair - play the 2 pair rule. |
| Straight and a Flush: |
A flush and a straight with no pair - play the combination
that results in the highest 2 card hand.
|
| Full house: |
Split except with pair of 2's and an ace/king
can be played in 2 card hand. |
| Four of a kind: |
Play according to the rank of the four of a kind:
2 through 6: Always keep together.
7 through 10: Split unless a pair or ace and picture can be
played in the 2 card hand.
Jack through king: Split unless hand also contains a pair
of 10's or higher.
Aces: Split unless a pair of 7's or higher can be played in
2 card hand.
|
| Straight Flush:
|
Keep as the 5 card hand.
Split 2 pair 10's and higher, or a pair of aces and any other
pair.
Any other two pair with ace - play the 2 pair as high and the
ace in the 2 card hand.
Play a straight or flush instead of the straight flush if it
causes a picture card or higher to be played in the 2 card hand.
|
| Royal Flush: |
Keep as the 5 card hand.
Royal flush with a pair - play the pair in the 2 card hand.
Royal flush with 2 pair - play the 2 pair rule.
Split the royal flush if an ace, king or a pair can be played
in the 2 card hand while retaining a straight or flush in the
5 card hand. |
| Five aces: |
Split unless pair of kings can be played
in 2 card hand. |
Pai Gow strategy tips:
- Be the banker as frequently as possible.
- Play the house way.
- Look for tables with as few players as possible; this will enable
you to banker more frequently.
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