Pai Gow Poker Rules: How to Play

Pai Gow Poker blends the Chinese game Pai Gow with poker hand rankings. You are dealt seven cards and split them into two hands to beat the banker. This guide explains the rules. Payouts are shown in the game.

Key takeaways

You are dealt seven cards and split them into a five-card hand and a two-card hand.
Your five-card hand must outrank your two-card hand.
It is a push and your stake is returned.

The objective

You receive seven cards and arrange them into a five-card 'high' hand and a two-card 'low' hand. Both of your hands must beat the banker's matching hands to win.

Setting your hands

The key rule is that your five-card hand must outrank your two-card hand.

Example. If your best pair goes in the two-card hand, your five-card hand must still be stronger than it. Setting the hands well is the main decision in the game; see poker hand rankings.

How it settles

If both your hands beat the banker's, you win; if both lose, you lose; if you win one and lose one, it is a push and your stake is returned. Identical hands ('copies') usually go to the banker.

A slower, strategic game

Pai Gow Poker is slower and has many pushes, which makes for a relaxed pace. The skill is in how you set the two hands. For standard poker, see Texas Hold'em and the table games guide.

Ready to play at 1xRoll?

Claim your welcome bonus and put these markets into practice. T&Cs apply.

Play Now

🔞 18+ only. Examples are hypothetical and for explanation only — they are not betting advice or real odds. Please gamble responsibly.

FAQ

How do you play Pai Gow Poker?

You are dealt seven cards and split them into a five-card hand and a two-card hand. Both must beat the banker's matching hands to win.

What is the rule for setting hands in Pai Gow Poker?

Your five-card hand must outrank your two-card hand. Setting the hands well is the main decision in the game.

What happens if I win one hand and lose the other?

It is a push and your stake is returned. You win only if both your hands beat the banker's, and lose if both lose.

How we made this guide. This guide is written and maintained by the 1xRoll Editorial Team and explains the general, widely-accepted rules of the market. All examples are hypothetical and illustrate mechanics only — they are not predictions, betting advice or real odds. Specific rules can vary by event and operator, so always check the in-game or in-bet-slip rules. editorial approach · responsible-gaming policy

Last updated: 2026-06-15

Pai Gow Poker Rules Explained

The objective

Setting your hands

How it settles

A slower, strategic game

Ready to play at 1xRoll?

FAQ

Related guides

Poker Hand Rankings Explained

Texas Hold'em Rules Explained

Online Table Games Explained