Barry Greenstein's Guide to Winning at Face Up Pai Gow

Introduction to Face-Up Pai Gow

Face-Up Pai Gow is a variation of the traditional Chinese game Pai Gow, but with a twist. Instead of using tiles, you're dealing with cards, and it's a game that can be both fun and challenging if you know the ropes. In this guide, I'll share some tips and strategies based on the expertise of poker legend Barry Greenstein, so you can up your game and have some winning sessions.

Understanding the Basics

First off, let's cover the basics. Each player is dealt seven cards that they must split into two hands – a two-card hand and a five-card hand. The aim is to have both hands beat the house's hands according to the rules of Pai Gow Poker. The two-card hand must be of lower value than the five-card hand, which is obvious since the hand with the lowest total must beat the dealer's corresponding hand.

The dealer, known as the bank, also gets seven cards, which are then split into two hands in the same manner. The player's hands are evaluated against the dealer's hands separately, and you need both to win or else it's a push (tie).

Key Strategies and Tips

1. Know Your Hand Strengths

One of the most important things Barry suggests is getting familiar with the ranking of the hands. Understanding which hands are stronger gives you a better chance of splitting your cards effectively. For example, a pair beats a high card, but two pairs are stronger than a pair plus a high card. Knowing these rankings can help you make better decisions on how to split your hand.

2. Use the Dealer's Face-Up Hand to Your Advantage

Unlike traditional Pai Gow, Face-Up Pai Gow gives you an extra tool: the dealer's face-up card. This card can significantly influence how you should play your hand. If the dealer's face-up card is a low card, you might want to play more aggressively, assuming the dealer's other cards are also low. Conversely, a high card from the dealer might require you to play more conservatively.

3. Don't Chase Wins Blindly

Barry often emphasizes the importance of patience and discipline. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of the game and start playing aggressively just because you're feeling lucky. But remember, Pai Gow is a game of skill and strategy, not pure luck. It's crucial to stick to your strategy and not chase wins at every turn.

4. Pay Attention to Your Opponents

While Pai Gow is primarily a player versus dealer game, observing how other players are splitting their hands can give you insight into potential outcomes. If you notice a lot of high pairs or strong hands being played, it might be a good time to reassess your own hand or take a more cautious approach.

5. Practice, Practice, Practice

Like any game, the more you play, the better you become. Barry always stresses the importance of practice. Whether it's playing at home with friends or spending some time at the casino, each game you play will help you develop your skills and intuition for the game.

Conclusion

Face-Up Pai Gow can be an exciting and rewarding game if you approach it with the right mindset and strategies. By understanding the basics, utilizing the dealer's face-up card, maintaining patience, paying attention to your opponents, and practicing consistently, you'll be well on your way to having more winning sessions. Remember, Barry Greenstein's wisdom is a great guide, but each game is different, so stay adaptable and keep learning.