How to Play Your Pai Gow Poker Hands
Pai Gow Poker is an extremely fun game to play and where a simple optimal strategy can be followed in order to maximize your winnings against the casino dealer. By following the below optimal hand splitting strategies, the casino dealers themselves are trained to use, you will be able to maximize your winnings.
No Pair
When dealt with no pair, play the highest card in the five card hand and the next two highest cards in the two card hand
One Pair
Play the pair in the five card hand and the next two highest cards in the two card hand
Two Pair
It is generally advisable to always split the two pair. Over the long run it will be more profitable to do so. The only exception is when they are both extremely low pairs and you have an ace or king. It is then an option to just keep the two pairs in your five card hand and to place the ace or king in to your two card hand.
Three Pair
When you are dealt three pairs, place the highest pair in your two card hand and the other pairs in your five card hand.
Three of a Kind
Play the three of a kind in the your five card hand. If it is a very high three of a kind, you can split it to be a pair on the two card hand and a single high card in your five card hand.
Six Card Straight or Flush
Take the highest card of the straight or flush and put it in your two card hand
Straight or Flush
Play the combination that results in the highest two card hand possible
Full House
Best to split and put the pair in your two card hand and the trips in your three card hand
Four of a Kind
If it is a low four of a kind, it is best to keep it in your five card hand since you can make a higher two card hand. If it is a high four a kind that is above ten, you can split it to make a good five card hand and a good two card hand.
Royal Flush
Try to make the strongest two card hand possible.
By following the above strategies, you can have a good chance of a profitable session against the dealer and minimize the house edge. Good luck!
