PercyTheIII
Member
Pai Gow Poker has always intrigued me—not because of its fast-paced action (because let’s be honest, it’s one of the slowest casino games out there), but because it’s a game that rewards strategy over pure luck.
I recently sat down at a $50 minimum table, where the dealer had clearly been there for years, calmly managing the slow rhythm of the game. Seven cards, two hands, and the objective is simple—split them into a strong five-card hand and a weaker two-card hand to try and beat the dealer at both.
At first, I played cautiously, following house way strategy, keeping high cards up top and making sure my five-card hand stayed stronger. But then I started experimenting with more aggressive splits, especially when I had middling pairs or three-card flush possibilities. That’s when things got interesting.
Patience pays off – Unlike blackjack or craps, Pai Gow is a grind, where most hands end in pushes rather than wins or losses. It’s a game of stamina as much as anything else.
Banking advantage – If you get the chance to be the banker, take it. It flips the edge slightly in your favor, since ties go to the banker.
Low volatility, but steady results – I walked away up $750 after a long session. No crazy highs, but no devastating losses either.
It’s not the most exciting game in the casino, but it’s certainly one of the most methodical. Anyone else a fan of Pai Gow Poker, or do you prefer the adrenaline rush of other table games?
I recently sat down at a $50 minimum table, where the dealer had clearly been there for years, calmly managing the slow rhythm of the game. Seven cards, two hands, and the objective is simple—split them into a strong five-card hand and a weaker two-card hand to try and beat the dealer at both.
At first, I played cautiously, following house way strategy, keeping high cards up top and making sure my five-card hand stayed stronger. But then I started experimenting with more aggressive splits, especially when I had middling pairs or three-card flush possibilities. That’s when things got interesting.



It’s not the most exciting game in the casino, but it’s certainly one of the most methodical. Anyone else a fan of Pai Gow Poker, or do you prefer the adrenaline rush of other table games?