How Many Pai Gow Poker Variants Are There To Play?

Pai Gow poker is one of the most popular games at online casinos, live casinos as well as real casinos. Along with the traditional Pai Gow game with times new additions as side bets have been added to the game giving way to many Pai Gow variants to play right now. Here in this guide, we will learn about the popular Pai Gow Poker variants, how they are played and where you can enjoy them. Note that these variants of Pai Gow come from many reputed gaming developers loaded with wonderful features of the game to enjoy on your PC, mobile or at land casinos in real-time.

Traditional Pai Gow Poker

Pai Gow Poker is a popular casino game that combines elements of traditional Chinese dominoes and poker. The game has gained significant popularity worldwide and is commonly found in both land-based and online casinos. Pai Gow Poker offers a unique and exciting twist on the traditional poker game, challenging players to create two separate poker hands from a seven-card hand.

1. Rules:
   • Pai Gow Poker is played with a standard deck of 52 cards plus one Joker.
   • The objective of the game is to create two poker hands, one with five cards (the “high” hand) and the other with two cards (the “low” hand), that beat the dealer’s corresponding hands.
   • The high hand must have a higher poker ranking than the low hand.
   • Players compete against the dealer rather than each other.
2. Gameplay Mechanics:
   • The game begins with players placing their bets.
   • Once bets are placed, each player is dealt seven cards face down, while the dealer also receives seven cards.
   • Players then arrange their cards into a high hand and a low hand, using specific rules to determine the hand rankings (discussed below).
   • After arranging their hands, players compare their hands against the dealer’s hands.
   • If both the high and low hands beat the dealer’s hands, the player wins the bet. If one hand wins and the other loses, it’s a push, and if both hands lose, the player loses the bet.
3. Hand Rankings:
   • The hand rankings in Pai Gow Poker are based on traditional poker hands, with a few exceptions:
     • The highest-ranking hand is five Aces (using the Joker as an Ace).
     • The second highest hand is a Royal Flush without the Joker.
     • The Joker can be used to complete a straight, flush, or straight flush.
   • It’s important to note that in the high hand, the five-card hand, the traditional poker hand rankings apply, while in the low hand, the two-card hand, only pairs and high cards are considered.

Choosing the Right Pai Gow Poker Variant

1. Personal preferences and playing style:
   • Consider your preferences in terms of theme, graphics, and overall atmosphere of the game.
   • Determine if you enjoy faster-paced gameplay or a more relaxed and leisurely experience.
   • Assess whether you prefer a variant with additional bonus bets or progressive jackpots.
2. Risk tolerance and desired level of complexity:
   • Evaluate your risk tolerance and decide if you prefer higher or lower volatility in a game.
   • Determine your comfort level with complex rules and strategies, as some variants may introduce additional betting options or unique hand rankings.
3. Reading reviews and player experiences:
   • Seek out reviews and testimonials from experienced players to gain insights into various Pai Gow Poker variants.
   • Look for information on the overall gameplay experience, bonus features, payout rates, and any potential drawbacks.
4. Trying out free demo versions before playing with real money:
   • Many online casinos offer free demo versions of Pai Gow Poker variants.
   • Take advantage of these demos to familiarize yourself with the gameplay, rules, and special features of each variant without risking real money.
   • Use this opportunity to assess if the variant aligns with your preferences and provides an engaging and enjoyable experience.

Pai Gow Poker Variants

Pai Gow Poker, a captivating casino game that blends elements of traditional Chinese dominoes and poker, has captured the attention of players worldwide. While the classic version of Pai Gow Poker offers an exciting and strategic gaming experience, players can also explore various Pai Gow Poker variants that add new twists and features to the game.

From bonus bets to progressive jackpots, these variants provide fresh and exhilarating gameplay opportunities for both seasoned players and newcomers alike. In this article, we will delve into some popular Pai Gow Poker variants, highlighting their unique features and rules, and adding an extra layer of excitement to this beloved casino game.

1. Pai Gow Mania

Pai Gow Mania was developed in early 2004. The first casinos carrying this game of Pai Gow were Fitzgeralds Casino in Las Vegas and Foxwoods Casino in Ledyard CT. This version of Pai Gow offered two side bets. The first was a side bet based on the first three cards dealt similar to 3 Card Poker’s “Pair Plus” betting option. The second option was based on the seven-card hand similar to the bonus paid on the current version of Fortune Pai Gow’s  Fortune bonus.

This game failed to grow in popularity as it required the cards to be dealt by hand so that first the three-card bonus could be determined: both dealers and casino executives alike were not too fond of this invention which made the already slow-paced game of Pai Gow Poker even slower. The game still does, however, exist at Downtown Las Vegas Casino – Fitzgerald’s.

• Pai Gow Mania is a variant of Pai Gow Poker that offers additional excitement and opportunities to win.
• This game includes two side bets, one based on the player’s first three cards and another on all seven cards.
• The three-card side bet allows players to claim a win based on the strength of their initial three cards before the remaining four cards are dealt.
• The side bet on all seven cards provides players with the chance to win based on the overall hand ranking of their complete seven-card hand.
• These side bets add an extra layer of anticipation and strategy to the game, allowing players to potentially win additional payouts.
• Pai Gow Mania is an engaging option for players who enjoy the traditional rules of Pai Gow Poker but desire additional side bet opportunities for more excitement and potential rewards.

2. Fortune Pai Gow

Fortune Pai Gow poker was developed in 2004 as well and offers players an optional side-bet which pays out based on a player making trips/straight or better. This is the most popular version of Pai Gow with bonus bets to date.

Another Fortune Pai Gow poker is a progressive game developed by Scientific Games. Fortune Pai Gow Poker Progressive adds a twist to Fortune Pai Gow Poker by giving players an opportunity to win all or part of a large growing jackpot. To begin each round, players make their standard Pai Gow wager and may also make the optional Fortune Pai Gow wager and the $1 progressive wager.

Once all players have made their wagers, the dealer follows house procedures for Pai Gow Poker. While reconciling standard Pai Gow poker wagers, the dealer also reconciles bonus and progressive wagers. 

• Fortune Pai Gow is a variant of Pai Gow Poker that introduces a side bet called “Fortune.”
• The Fortune side bet pays out based on the value of the player’s seven cards, regardless of how the player sets their hand.
• The player’s hand arrangement does not affect the outcome of the Fortune side bet.
• If any player at the table has a four-of-a-kind or better, players who placed the Fortune bet are eligible for an “Envy Bonus.”
• The Envy Bonus is a fixed amount and is awarded to players who made the Fortune bet, regardless of their own hand or the dealer’s hand.
• The Fortune pay table is used to determine the bonus payouts for qualifying hands.
• The Envy pay table is used to determine the bonus payouts for players who placed the Fortune bet and another player at the table has a qualifying hand.
• Fortune Pai Gow offers an additional layer of excitement and potential winnings through the Fortune side bet and the possibility of receiving Envy Bonuses.
• This variant is popular among players who enjoy the traditional gameplay of Pai Gow Poker but want the added thrill of side bet opportunities and potential bonus payouts.

For the progressive wager, the top hands pay a percentage of the progressive jackpot, while the other hands pay a fixed dollar amount. Found at casinos powered by Bally technology this version of the game is available both at land real casinos and online casinos

3. Commission-Free Fortune Pai Gow Poker

Commission-Free Fortune Pai Gow Poker features head-to-head play against the dealer and two exciting bonus bets. This is a commission-free game developed by Scientific Games and is available at online casinos as well as real casinos to play.  In the game players do not pay a 5 per cent commission when they beat the dealer; rather, when dealers play 9-high in their low hand, players automatically push. 

To begin each round, players make a standard pai gow wager. They may also make the Fortune Bonus and Dealer Bonus.

Fortune Bonus bet wins if players’ best possible five-card hand is three-of-a-kind or better. If players wager at least $5 on the Fortune Bonus, the dealer will place an “envy” button next to their bet. This qualifies the player for a bonus payout when any other player at the table has at least a four-of-a-kind. Remember that players cannot envy the dealer’s hand or their own hand.

The rules of Fortune Pai Gow are similar to traditional Pai Gow Poker, with a few notable exceptions:

• Player banking is not allowed in Fortune Pai Gow.
• A player wins pay even money (1 to 1) without any commission fees.
• If the dealer sets a 9-high hand in the low hand, it results in an automatic push (tie) for the player.
• A side bet called Tiger 9 is available, offering a payout of 30 to 1 if the dealer sets a 9-high hand in the low hand.
• In addition to the main game, players can also choose to make the Fortune side bet and the Fortune progressive bet. These bets payout based on the poker value of the player’s seven cards.

The Dealer Bonus wager is based on the dealer’s 7-card hand. Players will only be paid for the single highest payout. 

4. Emperors Challenge

This Pai Gow variant came in 2006 and is another bonus game working much like Fortune Pai Gow; however, the pay table is different, as bonuses are also awarded for players making Pai Gow hands where hands with no pair, straight or flush. This game can be found in a handful of Las Vegas casinos including Hooters as well as a few Boyd Gaming casinos located downtown. Also, this Pai Gow variant is available free to play online as well as with real money at online casinos.

• Emperor’s Challenge is an online poker game developed by Galaxy Gaming.
• It follows the standard rules of poker, with various card combinations determining the hand rankings.
• The different combinations, from lowest to highest payout, include high card, one pair, two pair, three of a kind, straight, flush, full house, four of a kind, straight flush, and royal flush.
• In Emperor’s Challenge, if the player and the dealer have the same type of hands, the one with the highest value cards wins.
• The game offers a range of betting options, with bets allowed between 5 and 500, providing players with flexibility in setting their desired wager amounts.
• Side bets are also available in Emperor’s Challenge, allowing players to further enhance their potential payouts. These side bets can range between 1 and 25.
• Emperor’s Challenge provides an engaging and challenging poker experience for players who enjoy the thrill of the game and want the flexibility to adjust their bets and pursue different payout possibilities.

The game is fun and requires that the player has a minimum amount of experience and know-how in the poker table games world. The design is beautifully crafted and there was no background music playing, which was more than welcome.

5. Pai Gow Insurance

Pai Gow Insurance was launched in 2008 and is a game where a bonus bet is offered on whether or not a non-ranking Pai Gow hand is made. For example, a hand 9-high with no pairs, straight nor flush is worth a payout of 100 to 1, whereas an A-high hand with no pairs, straight nor flush is worth a payout of 3 to 1. Las Vegas casinos offering this game include: Red Rock, Aliante Station, Palace Station, Boulder Station, Texas Station and Sunset Station. You can find this Pai Go game variant at land casinos and few online casinos.

Pai Gow Insurance is a unique variant that offers players the option to protect their bet against the dealer having a specific hand combination.

• Insurance Bet:
  • With Pai Gow Insurance, players can place an additional bet to protect their original wager against the dealer receiving a predetermined hand, such as a Pai Gow or a seven-card straight flush.
  • If the dealer’s hand matches the predetermined condition, the insurance bet pays out at a predetermined rate, typically higher than the regular payout for winning the main hand.

6. House Way Variations

There are differences between the way a dealer is forced to set their hand (house way) from casino to casino.

• House Way refers to the specific rules that the casino or “the house” follows when setting their hand in Pai Gow Poker.
• It is important to note that the House Way can vary from casino to casino, and these differences can significantly impact the way the dealer sets their hand.
• For example, at the Imperial Palace in Las Vegas, a unique rule states that two pairs both under six must be kept together, resulting in a specific hand arrangement.
• This rule is not followed at other casinos, including Harrah’s, which is owned by the same company as the Imperial Palace.
• To navigate the House Way variant effectively, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the casinos you frequent regularly.
• When visiting new casinos, it is recommended to ask for clarification regarding their House Way rules if you have any doubts.
• Being aware of the different House Way rules allows you to be vigilant at the table and ensures that the dealer is setting their hand correctly.
• By understanding the specific House Way rules at different casinos, you can adapt your own strategy and make informed decisions during gameplay.

At newly visited casinos, if you suspect the dealer might have played the hand against house way, then it’s always best to call the floor. For the most part, dealers always set hands based on the house way rules for their given casino; however, they’re human and with many 7-card hand combinations possible, mistakes do occur. In nearly all cases, these mistakes are quickly resolved with a call to the floor.

Suggested read: Playing Dominoes Online for Money in New Zealand

Conclusion

Pai Gow Poker offers a diverse range of variants that cater to different preferences and playing styles. With variations like Pai Gow Mania, Fortune Pai Gow, Commission-Free Fortune Pai Gow Poker, Emperors Challenge, Pai Gow Insurance, and House Way Variations, players have an abundance of choices to explore. Each variant introduces unique features, bonus options, and rules that add excitement and variety to the traditional game.

Whether you prefer side bets, progressive jackpots, or different hand rankings, there is a Pai Gow Poker variant to suit your preferences. It is essential to understand the specific rules and bonus features of each variant before playing to maximize your enjoyment and potential winnings.

So, take your time to research and explore the different Pai Gow Poker variants available at online casinos, and discover the one that resonates with you the most. With its blend of strategy, luck, and thrilling gameplay, Pai Gow Poker and its various iterations continue to captivate and entertain players worldwide.

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