Pai Gow Poker Casino Etiquette
Pai Gow Poker is one of the most sociable, fun and friendly games that can be played in a real casino environment. Even new players should not let their inexperience keep them from the table.
Pai Gow’s strengths
Before we get into any rules or standards of behavior, it’s worth highlighting why Pai Gow Poker has such a fun, friendly atmosphere:
- it is a relatively new game, with fewer traditions and protocols
- a player’s strategy is focused on how his hand is laid out, so it can’t affect anyone else at the table
- because hands function independently, players are usually happy to share advice
- dealers also tend to be willing to give tips and check that the hand is properly placed.
Basic table game etiquette
Regular casino goers know the basic rules of table etiquette, but those less accustomed to the real gaming environment should know a few basic rules:
- Empty seats are not always free. If a chair is tilted, or there is a marker on the table, a seat may be reserved for a player or a “Dragon Hand” (an optional second hand in Pai Gow).
- Some tables do not allow you to enter half the deck, check with the dealer before joining.
- When you are asked to cut cards, cut somewhere in the middle of the deck.
- Chips should not be touched after betting.
- Players should wait until all bets are settled before collecting their winnings.
- It is customary to tip the dealer, either by making a small bet for the dealer by placing the chips in front of the main bet, or by moving the chips down the center of the table toward the dealer, clearly marking “for the dealer.”
Mini Pai Gow Poker and the way home
Beginner players, or those who want an introduction to the world of Pai Gow Poker, may want to try Mini Pai Gow Poker first. In this version, the player does not arrange his hand into the required five and two card hand, instead the dealer arranges all the cards according to the House Way.
There are a few additional rules to consider in these simple games:
- Only the dealer (croupier) may touch the cards.
- It is acceptable to ask the croupier for a copy of the House Way, although not all casinos are required to show them.
Pai Gow Poker Etiquette
In full Pai Gow Poker, players determine their own hand. This makes the game a bit more complicated, but there are also additional options and courtesies to keep in mind:
- Setting your hand requires thinking, but slowing down the game is frowned upon.
- It is forbidden to tamper with cards after they have been set.
- Sometimes a dealer with a good streak will allow players to take over as dealer.
- If they agree, the player must be willing and able to fund the table.
- If another player becomes the dealer, it is customary to ask before betting against him and set your hand before the new banker sets his.
Playing a second “Dragon hand” is acceptable when the table is quiet. However, during busy times, it is good practice to let others join in.
To practice your Pai Gow poker skills before heading to the casino, play a few games at Guts Casino today!