Face Up Pai Gow Poker: A Guide for Poker Champions

Introduction to Face Up Pai Gow Poker

Face Up Pai Gow Poker is a unique game that combines elements of Pai Gow and Poker. It's a table game that's played with a standard 52-card deck and one joker, making it a fun and exciting variation for both novice and experienced players.

How to Play

The game starts with each player receiving seven cards. These cards are used to form two hands: a two-card hand and a five-card hand. The two-card hand must be a pair or better, while the five-card hand is ranked according to standard poker rules, with the joker acting as an ace or to complete a straight or a flush if needed. The goal is to have both of your hands rank higher than the dealer's.

Setting Up the Hands

Players need to arrange their cards into the two hands according to the rules. It's important to remember that the five-card hand must rank higher than or equal to the two-card hand. Players place their hands face down in front of them. Once all players have set their hands, the dealer then reveals their own seven-card hand and sets it into two hands following the same rules.

Winning the Game

After the dealer reveals their hands, the comparison begins. If both of your hands rank higher than the dealer's, you win. If both of your hands are lower, you lose. If one of your hands beats the dealer's corresponding hand and the other loses, it's a tie, and the player loses the ante but keeps the payoff.

Tips for Winning

To increase your chances of winning, it's important to understand the ranking of the hands and how to best arrange your cards. For instance, if you have a strong two-card hand, like a pair of aces, you might want to set it aside and focus on the five-card hand. Understanding the value of each card and how they complement each other can be key to forming a winning strategy.

Enjoying the Game

Remember, Pai Gow Poker is not just about the wins and losses; it's about enjoying the game and the social aspect of playing with others. Whether you're sipping a cocktail at a casino or playing in a friendly home game, Pai Gow Poker can be a fun and engaging experience. Just like any game, the more you play, the better you get at it, so keep practicing and have fun!