It may not be as popular as other types of card games but Pai Gow has its own
charm and appeal. Here are a few ideas that may get you on the Pai Gow
bandwagon.
As enjoyable a game as Pai Gow is, it isn't really as popular as the other
more familiar card games. One possible reason for this is that not many people
actually know what it takes to win at Pai Gow. Most beginners tend to play Pai
Gow like video poker and try to target the biggest hands, and this seldom works
out in their favor. Here we present a few tips that will greatly increase your
enjoyment of the game, and possibly even give you a better chance of winning.
Go for the bank
As much as possible, it is a good idea to bank during Pai Gow play. This is by
far one of the best ways to stack the odds in your favor. Most players with
experience will know when it is in their advantage to bank. That being said,
banking requires a nice healthy bankroll, but it is generally worth it in most
cases. In some situations, you may be able to get the casino to share in the
bank. If you are planning to bank a lot, you may want to go for a table that has
little or no players.
High hands can be disastrous
As we mentioned earlier, going for high hands is a technique commonly employed
by most beginning players, perhaps drawing from their experience with video
poker. It is important to make the distinction between the two games however. In
Pai Gow, going for big hands such as a full house can work to your disadvantage.
It would be best to go for more modest hands such as a three of a kind and a
pair for instance, and have a chance at actually winning.
Look into two-card hands
This is where most Pai Gow beginners also make a mistake. Keep in mind that both
hands matter in Pai Gow, and you would be better off building a strong two-card
hand and working with it. Of course it is also important to try to get the best
combination possible for this two-card hand.
Ask for assistance
Just as with any other casino game, you should always ask for assistance
whenever possible. Don't be intimidated into not asking for help when you need
it, and if there isn't anyone available to help you, have a read through the
instructions and possibly try out some of the free games on offer. If you are
playing the game in a land-based casino, you can always ask the dealers for
help.
Stick to your bankroll
Again to this applies to Pai Gow as well as any other casino game. It is
important to set your bankroll beforehand, and stick to it. Keep your bankroll
at a reasonable amount-only enough that you can afford to lose comfortably-and
resist the temptation to go beyond this limit. This will reduce the risk of you
walking away with a loss bigger than you can afford. You may also want to set a
limit for the amount that you will win and walk way with.
