If you wander through the table games section of any major casino, you will eventually discover the slow, methodical game of Pai Gow Poker.

It is universally beloved by older gamblers and those who want to stretch their bankroll for hours while enjoying free casino drinks.

The Basics: Building Two Separate Hands

Your sole objective is to split these seven cards into two separate, distinct poker hands: a five-card hand and a two-card hand.

The most critical, unbreakable rule of the game is that your five-card hand must mathematically rank higher than your two-card hand.

• The five-card hand is called the "High" hand, the "Back" hand, or the "Big" hand
• The two-card hand is called the "Low" hand, the "Front" hand, or the "Small" hand
• The joker can only be used to complete a straight, a flush, or act as an Ace

How the Dealer Plays Their Cards

Because players must arrange their own cards, Pai Gow Poker introduces an element of strategic skill not found in baccarat or roulette.

The dealer will happily arrange your hand exactly according to the mathematical guidelines of the House Way.

The Pace and Vibe of Pai Gow

The defining characteristic of Pai Gow Poker is its incredibly slow, relaxed, and highly sociable pace of play.

If you want to experience the thrill of a table game without the intense stress of rapid bankroll swings, Pai Gow is the perfect choice.

Pai Gow Poker beautifully combines the intricate hand rankings of traditional poker with a forgiving, highly social casino structure.