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Playing Pai Gow Poker
Pai Gow poker is a multi-player game where the deal rotates around the table just as it does in a regular real money poker game. In online Pai Gow poker the player plays against the house/computer. A round of Pai Gow poker begins when seven cards are dealt to each player. All players other than the dealer look at their cards and divide them into two hands - a 2-card hand called the "low" or "front" hand, and a 5-card hand called the "high" or "back" hand. The objective is to beat the dealer on both hands.
One of the rules of Pai Gow poker is that the player's front hand, meaning the one with 2 cards, may not beat his back hand. For example, if the two cards were a pair of aces, the five-card hand would have to contain two pairs or better. If the front hand does not beat the back hand, it is called a "foul" and both hands lose. Because Pai Gow poker is played with a joker, five aces is the highest 5-card hand, beating even a straight flush. For the 2-card hand, any pair beats any two unmatched cards, but no other combinations are possible.
A History of Pai Gow Poker
This version of poker originates from the ancient Chinese game called Pai Gow, which means "make nine" in Chinese. The ancient game has since merged with the basic form of poker to become a very popular and quite new, gambling game. It only entered the Vegas casinos in 1987, and was an instant success due to its established popularity in California and surrounding areas. The game debuted in Atlantic City casinos the following year and has been a popular and exciting activity at casinos ever since.
The original Pai Gow is a cryptic and symbolic game, very difficult to learn, and was originally played with dominos. Pai Gow Poker on the other hand is straightforward and is based on standard poker hands.
In Pai Gow Poker, a 53-card deck is used. The additional card is a designated wild card. It is played on a blackjack table, and six players can play at a time. Considering the game's relatively recent arrival, and its clear relationship with the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow, the history of Pai Gow Poker is limited and so far devoid of dispute.
Tips for Winning at Pai Gow Poker
There is a specific and detailed Pai Gow Poker strategy, which will ensure that you are making the best and smartest moves under the circumstances depending on your cards. But there are also tips for Pai Gow Poker, which can guarantee a more pleasurable and entertaining time at the table.
The most important aspect of Pai Gow Poker to remember is not to neglect the 2-card hand, the front hand. It is tempting to put all your good eggs in one basket and to build up the back hand, but that's not the way to go. Don't forget either hand - take your time and find a way to build hands with good chances of winning both hands. More important, never forget that the back hand, the 5-card hand, must be stronger than the front hand. Engrave that basic rule in your memory or write it down and paste it to your computer screen but whatever you do, don't forget it. Back is stronger than front.
Log into a game now - you'll have a great time! And maybe win some money as well!
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