In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore everything you need to know to play Pai Gow Poker online, from the basic rules to advanced strategies.

Getting Started
Before diving into a game of Pai Gow Poker online, it’s essential to understand the fundamentals. The game is typically played with a standard 52-card deck plus one Joker. The Joker can be http://paigowpoker.io used as an Ace or to complete a straight, flush, straight flush, or royal flush. Each player, including the dealer, receives seven cards, which they must divide into two hands: a five-card hand (the "high" hand) and a two-card hand (the "low" hand). The goal is to beat both of the dealer's corresponding hands.

Basic Gameplay
Once you’ve joined a Pai Gow Poker table online, the game begins with players placing their bets. After all bets are placed, each player, as well as the dealer, receives seven cards face down. From there, players must arrange their cards into two hands: the five-card hand and the two-card hand. The five-card hand must rank higher than the two-card hand according to standard poker hand rankings.

Hand Rankings
Understanding hand rankings is crucial in Pai Gow Poker. The rankings follow traditional poker rules, with one exception: the "wheel" or "A-2-3-4-5" straight is considered the second-highest straight, just below the straight from ten to ace. Here’s a breakdown of the hand rankings, from highest to lowest:

Five of a Kind: Four Aces plus the Joker.
Royal Flush: A, K, Q, J, 10 of the same suit.
Straight Flush: Five consecutive cards of the same suit.
Four of a Kind: Four cards of the same rank.
Full House: Three cards of one rank and two of another.
Flush: Five cards of the same suit, not in sequence.
Straight: Five consecutive cards of different suits.
Three of a Kind: Three cards of the same rank.
Two Pair: Two pairs of cards of the same rank.
One Pair: Two cards of the same rank.
High Card: When none of the above hands are made, the highest card in the hand determines the winner.
House Rules
It’s essential to familiarize yourself with the specific rules of the online casino you’re playing at, as Pai Gow Poker can have slight variations depending on the house. Some common house rules include how ties are handled (usually they go to the dealer), whether the player can bank (act as the dealer), and the commission charged on winning hands when a player is banking.

Strategy Tips
Developing a solid strategy is key to success in Pai Gow Poker. Here are a few tips to help you improve your game:

Understand the "House Way": Most online casinos provide an option to set your hand automatically according to the optimal strategy known as the "House Way." While this is a good starting point, understanding why hands are arranged a certain way can improve your decision-making.
Separate High Pairs: If you’re dealt a pair, especially a high-ranking pair like Aces or Kings, it’s generally best to play them in your five-card hand, while placing your next two highest cards in the low hand.
Conservative Betting: Pai Gow Poker is a game of pushes and small edges. Avoid making large bets, as the house edge can quickly erode your bankroll.
Pay Attention to Your Opponents’ Hands: In online play, you won’t be able to see your opponents, but you can still glean information from their betting patterns and hand rankings to inform your own decisions.