Double-hand Poker is a modern game with ancient origins. Founded on the old Chinese domino game and the current American variation of poker, Pai Gow poker marries the eastern with the west in a great game for new gamblers.
Pai Gow is a poker game that puts the gambler vs. the casino, unlike almost all other poker games that gamblers compete against other players. By playing against the dealer, starting players don’t need to worry about any other, more skillful people winning their cash.
An additional Pai Gow advantage is the generally leisurely game play, newcomers can take their time and scheme while not having to make frenzied decisions.
It is also easier to bet on for an extended time with just a little bit of money seeing as, to lose, both of your hands has to be under both of the dealer’s hands.
Pai Gow is played with 53 cards; the familiar 52-card basic deck and a single joker. The gambler is given 7 cards face up and the croupier is dealt seven cards face down.
One 5 card hand and one two card hand have to be put together from the 7 cards dealt, the 5 card hand must be stronger than the two card hand. To win, a player needs both of his hand totals to be better than the casino’s.