Pai Gow Basic Strategy

The key to upping your odds in Pai Gow is the ratio of how much is bet when you're the banker to the amount bet when you're a player - basically, the greater the ratio, the better your odds.

Critical, however, is arranging without fouling.

Pai Gow is a game of skill, and the player must win both hands against the banker to be paid. As a result, experienced players have a definite advantage and can gain a long term theoretical edge over the casino.

Be The Banker

It pays to be the banker as much as possible because you win on any hands that are tied and the 5% commission is charged after losses are offset against winnings.

If you want to bank, understandably you must have enough money to cover any winning bets of other players and the dealer. You must also have played a previous hand against the house dealer.

House Edge

The house advantage in Pai Gow is a bit like playing Blackjack - if you don't set good hands, the house will skin you. However, assuming you know the basics, the chances of you winning both hands are 28.61%, a tie is 41.8% and the banker has a 29.9% chance of winning. So don't be shy, be the banker.