Face Up Pai Gow: A Unique Twist on a Classic Game

If you’re a fan of Pai Gow Poker, then you might want to try your hand at Face Up Pai Gow. This variation of the game offers a unique twist on the classic version, with some new rules and strategies to consider. In this article, we’ll explore what Face Up Pai Gow is, how to play the game, and some tips for increasing your chances of winning.

What is Face Up Pai Gow?

Face Up Pai Gow is a variation of Pai Gow Poker that’s played with the same basic rules, but with a few key differences. In Face Up Pai Gow, all of the cards are dealt face up, including the dealer’s cards. This means that players can see the dealer’s hand before they make their own decisions about how to split their cards.

The game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, plus one joker. The goal of the game is to create two separate poker hands, one with five cards and one with two cards, that beat the dealer’s two hands.

How to Play Face Up Pai Gow Poker? – Rules Explained

To begin playing Face Up Pai Gow, each player must place a bet. Once all bets are in, the dealer will deal seven cards to each player, face up. The dealer will also deal seven cards to themselves, face up.

Once all cards have been dealt, each player will look at their cards and separate them into a five-card hand and a two-card hand. The five-card hand must be higher in rank than the two-card hand. Once all players have separated their cards, the dealer will reveal their cards and separate them into a five-card hand and a two-card hand.

Next, the dealer will compare their two hands to each player’s two hands. If the dealer beats both of a player’s hands, then the player loses their bet. If a player beats both of the dealer’s hands, then they win even money on their bet, minus a 5% commission. If a player wins one hand and loses the other, then it’s a push and the player gets their bet back.

In addition to the basic rules of Pai Gow Poker, there are a few additional rules to consider when playing Face Up Pai Gow:

• The dealer must always set their hand according to specific rules. For example, if the dealer’s hand contains a pair, they must always split the pair between their two hands.
• The dealer always wins ties. So, if the dealer has the same hand as a player, the dealer wins.
• If a player’s hand is a copy of the dealer’s hand, then the dealer wins.

Tips for Playing Face Up Pai Gow Poker

Now that you understand the rules of Face Up Pai Gow, here are some tips to help increase your chances of winning:

1. Study the Dealer’s Hand – Since all cards are dealt face up, you can see the dealer’s hand before making your own decisions. Take advantage of this and study the dealer’s hand carefully before making your own moves.
2. Play Your Hands Strategically – Remember, you’re trying to win both hands, not just one. Be sure to think through your strategy for both your five-card hand and your two-card hand.
3. Manage Your Bankroll – Set a budget for yourself before you start playing and stick to it. Remember, Pai Gow Poker is a slower-paced game, so you’ll need to have enough money to cover both hands.
4. Look for Bonuses – Some casinos offer bonuses for specific hands, such as a five Aces or a Royal Flush. Be sure to check the rules of the casino you’re playing at to see if there are any bonus payouts available.

Final Thoughts

Face Up Pai Gow is a fun and unique variation of Pai Gow Poker that can add an extra level of excitement to the game. With all cards dealt face up, players have more information to make their decisions, but the game also requires a different strategy than the traditional version of Pai Gow Poker.

If you’re looking to try your hand at Face Up Pai Gow, be sure to start by learning the basic rules of the game. Pay attention to the dealer’s hand and consider your strategy carefully for both your five-card and two-card hands. And as with any casino game, it’s important to manage your bankroll and set a budget for yourself.

While not all casinos offer Face Up Pai Gow, it’s becoming more and more popular. If you’re looking for a casino that offers the game in Vegas, check out some of the popular casinos on the Las Vegas strip, such as the Bellagio or the Wynn. And who knows, you just might be able to increase your chances of winning big by trying out this unique twist on a classic game.