Pai Gow Buying Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Pai Gow

Overview

Pai Gow is an ancient Chinese game that has been played for centuries. It is a type of domino game which is played by two players using a set of 32 dominoes. The goal of the game is to win by having the best hand of two pairs. Buying a Pai Gow set can be a daunting task as it can be hard to find the right set for you. This buying guide will provide information on the different types of Pai Gow sets available, how to choose the best one for you, as well as tips on how to care for and maintain your set.

Key features

  1. Type – Customers should consider the type of Pai Gow they are looking for. There are two main types: American and Chinese. American Pai Gow is typically played with a standard 52-card deck plus a joker, whereas Chinese Pai Gow is played with 32 dominoes.
  2. Number of Players – Customers should be aware of the number of players a particular game of Pai Gow can accommodate. While some games can accommodate up to 8 players, others have a maximum of 4.
  3. Rules – Customers should consider the rules of the game they are buying. Different Pai Gow games may have different rules, so it is important to understand them before making a purchase.
  4. Equipment – Customers should consider the types of equipment they need for the game. For example, are decks of cards and dice needed, or are just dominoes needed?
  5. Price – Customers should consider the price of the game before making a purchase. Pai Gow games can range in price from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars, depending on the type of game.

See the most popular Pai Gow on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Low House Edge - Pai Gow has a low house edge, making it a favorable choice for gamblers who want to maximize their chances of winning.
  • Strategy Focus - Pai Gow requires a certain level of skill and strategy to be successful, making it a great choice for players who want to challenge themselves and learn new strategies.
  • Multiplayer Option - Pai Gow can be played with up to seven other players, making it a great way to interact and connect with other people.
  • No Bluffing - Unlike other poker games, Pai Gow does not require any bluffing or bluff-detection, making it easier to understand for novice players.
  • Flexible Bankroll - Pai Gow can be played with both high and low stakes, allowing players to adjust their bankroll to their budget.

Cons

  • Difficult To Learn: Pai Gow is a challenging game to learn, as it involves a lot of strategy and understanding of the rules. It can take time and practice to become comfortable with the game.
  • Expensive Equipment: Pai Gow requires special equipment such as Pai Gow tiles, which can be expensive to purchase.
  • Higher House Edge: Pai Gow typically has a higher house edge than other casino games, meaning it is more difficult for the player to come out ahead in the long run.

Best alternatives

  1. Farkle - A dice game that involves rolling the dice and keeping track of points.
  2. Backgammon - A strategy board game played with two players.
  3. Rummy - A game of cards that involves creating sets and sequences of numbered cards of the same suit.
  4. Yahtzee - A popular dice game that involves rolling five dice and scoring points based on the roll.
  5. Cribbage - A card game where players score points based on the result of the two hands.
  6. Poker - A card game that involves betting and playing against other players with a round of betting.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Dice - Two dice are used in Pai Gow to determine which players gets the highest hand.
  • Dominos - A set of 32 dominos is used to form hands in Pai Gow.
  • Chips - Chips are used to represent money for betting in Pai Gow.
  • Table/Chairs - Typically a Pai Gow table has a designated dealer and six player seats.
  • Pai Gow Banker - The banker is the one who oversees the game and distributes the winnings.
  • Instructions/Rules - Pai Gow is a complicated game and requires understanding the rules and proper instructions for playing.

Common questions

  1. What are the rules for Pai Gow? Pai Gow is a Chinese gambling game played with dominoes. The game is a banking game, meaning the house takes bets from the other players. Players are dealt four dominoes and must divide them into two hands: one with two dominoes and the other with three. The aim of the game is to have both of your hands beat the dealer's hands. The hands are ranked according to traditional Chinese domino rules. If either hand is higher than the dealers, the player wins. If both hands are lower than the dealer's, the player loses. If one of the hands ties, it is a push.
  2. What are the different types of Pai Gow? There are two main types of Pai Gow: the traditional Chinese game and American-style Pai Gow Poker, which is based on the traditional game but uses a standard deck of playing cards. American-style Pai Gow Poker is much more popular in casinos.
  3. What are the house rules for Pai Gow? House rules for Pai Gow vary from casino to casino. Generally speaking, the house will take a 5% commission from the winnings of players when they win. Additionally, some casinos will set a maximum limit on bets. This is done to protect the house from losing too much money if a player has a particularly lucky streak.
  4. What is the best way to learn how to play Pai Gow? The best way to learn how to play Pai Gow is to read the rules and practice with friends. You can also find online guides and tutorials to help you learn the game. Additionally, many casinos offer free Pai Gow lessons so that you can learn the game without risking any of your own money.

Trivia

One interesting story about Pai Gow is that it almost became the official game of the state of Nevada. In 1975, the Nevada Assembly voted to make Pai Gow the official state game; however, it was vetoed by the Governor who said it did not fit with the state's image. The story is especially amusing given the fact that Pai Gow is now a staple in many Nevada casinos. Sources:https://www.thoughtco.com/pai-gow-game-facts-3444133.

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.