‘Copy’ Meaning | Casino & Gambling Terms Explained

In Pai Gow Poker, a “Copy” refers to a situation where the player’s hand and the banker’s hand are identical in rank. When this occurs, the banker (also known as the dealer or house) wins the hand. This rule is one of the unique aspects of Pai Gow Poker that differentiates it from other poker variations.

Pai Gow Poker is a blend of traditional American poker and the Chinese game of Pai Gow. Players are dealt seven cards and must create two separate hands: a five-card “high” hand and a two-card “low” hand. The five-card hand must be of higher poker value than the two-card hand. The objective is to beat both the banker’s high and low hands.

Here’s a more detailed look at the “Copy” rule

• Banker’s Advantage: The “Copy” rule is one of the house rules that give the casino an edge. If both the player and the banker end up with hands of the same rank, the banker wins by default. This rule applies to both the high and the low hands.
• Strategic Implications: Knowing that the banker wins on copies, players must strategize accordingly. They might decide to split their cards in a way that minimizes the chance of a copy, especially if the banker shows a strong upcard.
• Frequency of Copies: Copies are relatively rare in Pai Gow Poker due to the number of possible hand combinations. However, when they do occur, they can be a source of frustration for players, as a hand that would typically result in a push (or tie) instead results in a loss.
• Joker Usage: In Pai Gow Poker, a joker is included in the deck and can be used to complete a straight or flush in the five-card hand. If neither of these situations applies, the joker is treated as an ace. The inclusion of the joker adds an additional layer of complexity to the game and can affect the frequency of copy hands.
• Player-Banker Option: In some casinos, players have the option to act as the banker, rotating throughout the game. When a player is banking, the copy rule works in their favor, potentially increasing their chances of winning.
• Casino Variations: Different casinos may have slight variations on the joker’s usage and the handling of copy hands. It’s important for players to understand the specific rules of the casino they’re playing in.