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Pai Gow Poker is one of the oldest card games still played today. Pai Gow poker was invented in 1985. However, the history of Pai Gow reaches back to the 12th century.
The modern Pai Gow that you can play in casinos today is based on the ancient Chinese domino games. Historians have verified accounts of these games being played nearly 1,000 years ago.
Pai Gow’s history is longer than most casino games. The game has evolved a lot over the years, but it’s still fun to play. Please continue reading here at Xgtiger Casino to learn everything you need to know about Pai Gow, including how to play it at the best online poker sites.
History of Pai Gow
Few forms of gambling are as old as Pai Gow’s origins. The game can be traced back to the 11th century in China. But how was the original game played, and how does it differ from modern Pai Gow?
Origin of Pai Gow
Modern Pai Gow is played with a deck of cards. However, the first recorded Pai Gow games in history used dominoes instead. This version of the game is often referred to as Chinese dominoes.
This game is the first known version of any domino game.
Many historians agree that Pai Gow, which translates to “Make Nine,” was modeled after Chinese creation myths. Many of the terms in the game are references to these legends. The hands themselves share names with many Chinese deities.
For example, the Supreme Creator of the universe is known as Gee Joon. It is also the name used for the highest ranked pair in Pai Gow.
The game itself uses a total of 32 dominoes. Each player receives a stack of four dominoes for making their hand. You must make two hands with two tiles in each.
Modernong Pai Gow
Many casino games can trace their origins back to the casinos of the 17th and 18th centuries. Games like real money blackjack were popular in France in the 1700s. Many of these classic games have been forced to evolve to stay relevant.
Blackjack, for example, was popularized in France. However, it played earlier versions of the game in Spain and England. As the game spread to new cultures, it changed.
Pai Gow, on the other hand, remained the same. Players still receive the same number of tiles, and the goal of the game remains the same.
Scoring Pai Gow is easy. All you have to do is add up the total number of pips in the dominoes in that hand. You will have four dominoes at your disposal, so you must make two hands.
To win the game, you must score as close to nine points as possible. Just like real money baccarat, if the value of your hand is a double-digit number, then the first digit goes down.
An exception to this is if a player has a pair of matching dominoes. A pair beats an unpaired hand every time. If two players have a pair, the person with the highest ranked pair wins the round.
How to Play Pai Gow Poker
You can still find Pai Gow casino games today. Some games use dominoes, such as the original versions of Pai Gow.
The casino also offers Pai Gow poker, which it created in 1985. The game takes a lot of inspiration from the original Pai Gow domino game.
One of the biggest differences is that Pai Gai Poker is played with a deck of cards. Also, instead of only receiving four dominoes, each player gets a total of seven cards.
Like the original Pai Gow, players must split their hands into two groups. It helps if you have five-card and two-card poker hands. A player’s five card hand must be a better poker hand than their two card hand.
Players then compare their hands to the dealer’s hands. If the player’s five and two card hands beat the dealer’s respective hands, they win.
Pai Gow poker is usually played with a joker in the deck, meaning there are 53 cards in play. Casinos have different rules on how they can use the joker.
Some casinos allow players to use the joker as a wild card. This will make completing hands easier and may even qualify for the rare five-of-a-kind.
Other venues only allow jokers to be used to complete a flush or a straight. It counts as an ace if these hands are impossible to achieve.
How to Play Pai Gow Online
Pai Gow’s origins stretch back hundreds of years. You can enjoy modern versions of Pai Gow poker online. A growing number of online poker rooms make it easier to enjoy your favorite poker games, including Pai Gow.
There are many land-based casinos that offer versions of Pai Gow. However, playing online is the best option to guarantee that you will find an open table. Online games also provide a better chance to redeem good casino bonuses.
Our experts have spent years reviewing the best PH casinos available online. Over time, we have found many great places to play online poker. You can choose from any of our recommended poker sites and start playing today.
Xgtiger Casino is the poker site most recommended by our casino experts. This awesome gambling site has tons of great poker games. It even offers exclusive poker bonuses and great online poker tournaments.
Another safe gambling site with a good online poker room is KingGame. Our experts were delighted with the casino’s user interface and excellent customer support department. This poker room also has a good selection of live dealer games and a top-tier rewards program.
Xgtiger Casino is also a great poker that our experts highly recommend. It is perfect for new and veteran poker players looking for a high quality online poker experience. This poker room even accepts cryptocurrency as a banking method.
Online Pai Gow Tips
Playing Pai Gow online is the easiest way to experience the classic game. Whether you’re playing the original version or modern Pai Gow poker, you should have a strategy from the start. Here are some Pai Gow tips to help you as you learn to play.
Practice With Free Games
Pai Gow’s history stretches back nearly a thousand years. One of the best changes to the game in recent years is the option to play Pai Gow for free online.
Free games do not offer you a chance to win money. However, they are a great way to learn to play the game.
Many top casinos, including Las Atlantis and Bovada, offer free versions of their casino games. Free games will allow you to learn to play Pai Gow without blowing your bankroll.
Once you master the game, you can move on to paid tournaments and start winning money. You’ll have more money to play with because you didn’t burn through your bankroll while you learned to play.
Understand the Pai Gow Strategy
One of the first aspects of Pai Gow that every player must learn is the strategy of the game. In Pai Gow poker, for example, you need to have a good understanding of poker hands.
You also need to remember the rules of the game. For example, in Pai Gow poker, your five-card hand must be better than your two-card hand.
In standard Pai Gow, you try to make a total of nine points. Or, if you are lucky enough, you may be given a pair that will give you a great chance to win. This is because pairs beat all but one higher ranked pair.
Understanding how to make the best possible hands in Pai Gow and Pai Gow poker will help you win more often.
Avoid Pai Gow Side Bets
Side bets are additional bets you can make during the round that may be separate from the hand you are dealt. Many casino games offer side bets, including blackjack, real money craps, and baccarat.
Usually, it is better to avoid these side wagers. Sadly, Pai gow is no exception.
Side bets may seem like a good idea at the time because they offer players an extra chance to win. However, the odds on these bets are rarely fair to the players and are often worse than the real odds. Side bets usually have a high house edge as a result.
Are You Ready To Play Pai Gow Poker?
Pai Gow’s long history outlasts most modern casino games. It has been played for hundreds of years and even led to the creation of Pai Gow poker. Now that you know more about the game, you should be ready to start playing this great game.
Conclusion
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Frequently asked questions
According to the rules, your five-card hand ranking hand’s value must be greater than your two-card hand. So, as a rule of thumb, keep your higher pair in your five-card hand and place the lower pair in your two-card hand. In the long run, this Pai Gow hand strategy will give you a greater chance of success.
