Mastering Pai Gow: A Comprehensive Guide to Playing and Winning

Pai Gow, meaning “make nine” in Chinese, is a fascinating and strategic casino game played with Chinese dominoes. While it might seem intimidating at first, understanding the rules and basic strategies of Pai Gow can open up a world of exciting gameplay and potentially profitable opportunities. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to play Pai Gow with confidence, from the dominoes themselves to advanced betting techniques.

Understanding the Pai Gow Dominoes

The game utilizes a set of 32 Chinese dominoes, also called “tiles.” Unlike Western dominoes, Chinese dominoes are not based on a numerical sequence, but rather on pairs that represent the outcome of rolling two dice. These dice outcomes range from 1-1 (the “Teen”) to 6-6 (the “Gee Joon”).

Domino Ranking and Value

The dominoes are ranked in a specific order, and understanding this hierarchy is crucial. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Gee Joon (6-6): The highest-ranking tile.
2. Teen (1-1): The second highest-ranking tile.
3. Gow (4-4): The third highest-ranking tile.
4. Look Gow (1-3): The fourth highest-ranking tile.
5. Wong (5-5): The fifth highest-ranking tile.
6. High Seven (5-6): The sixth highest-ranking tile.
7. Other Pairs: All other pairs are ranked in descending order by the sum of their pips. For example, 6-5 (11 pips) ranks higher than 6-4 (10 pips).
8. Wongs and Gongs: These are specific non-pair combinations. A Wong is a 2-1 or 3-1 combined with an 8. A Gong is a 2-1 or 3-1 combined with a 7. Wongs rank higher than Gongs, and they outrank all non-pair combinations except for those that make a higher “hand.”
9. Miscellaneous Tiles (Singles): These are individual tiles, ranked according to their pip count. The highest single is 6, and the lowest is 1. However, in Pai Gow, the pip count only matters when determining the outcome of a hand; it doesn’t determine the rank of the individual tile itself within the domino set.

Important Pairs (Geen Wai):

Certain pairs are called “Geen Wai” or “supreme pairs.” These pairs are especially valuable:

• Gee Joon (6-6)
• Teen (1-1)
• Gow (4-4)
• Look Gow (1-3)

These pairs outrank all other pairs, regardless of their pip count, except for a higher-ranking Geen Wai pair.

Game Setup and Gameplay

Players and Dealer

Pai Gow is typically played with four players, including the dealer. In a casino, one player is designated as the banker, who plays against the other players. The banker can also be the casino itself, or the role can rotate amongst the players.

Dealing the Tiles

The 32 dominoes are shuffled face down and then arranged into eight stacks of four tiles each. The dealer then uses three dice to determine which player receives the first stack of tiles. The dice roll corresponds to a player position (1-4). The count continues around the table, distributing one stack to each player in turn.

Setting the Hands

Each player receives four dominoes and must split them into two hands, each consisting of two tiles. The goal is to create two hands that each have a higher value than the banker’s corresponding hands. The value of each hand is determined by adding the pip counts of the two tiles and taking the remainder after dividing by 9. This means the hand value will always be between 0 and 9.

For example:

• A hand with a 5-2 and a 4-3 would have a total pip count of 5 + 2 + 4 + 3 = 14. 14 divided by 9 leaves a remainder of 5. The hand’s value is 5.
• A hand with a 6-6 (Gee Joon) and a 5-5 (Wong) would have a total pip count of 6 + 6 + 5 + 5 = 22. 22 divided by 9 leaves a remainder of 4. The hand’s value is 4.

A hand with a value of 0 is called a “Gow” or “Bai Gow,” and it’s the lowest possible hand.

Comparing Hands and Determining the Winner

After all players have set their hands, the banker reveals their hands. Each player’s high hand is compared to the banker’s high hand, and each player’s low hand is compared to the banker’s low hand. There are three possible outcomes for each player:

• Win: Both the player’s high hand and low hand are higher than the banker’s corresponding hands.
• Loss: Both the player’s high hand and low hand are lower than the banker’s corresponding hands.
• Tie (Push): One hand is higher, and the other hand is lower. In this case, the player’s bet is returned.

If both the player’s hands have the same value as the banker’s corresponding hands, the banker wins. This is known as a “copy hand,” and it favors the banker.

The Importance of Ranking

If two hands have the same value (e.g., both are a 6), the hand with the higher-ranking tile wins. This is why understanding the ranking of the individual dominoes is essential. For example, a hand of 6-3 (9) beats a hand of 5-4 (9) because the 6-3 contains a 6, which is a higher-ranking tile than the 5 in the 5-4.

If both hands have the same value and contain the same highest-ranking tile, the banker wins.

Pai Gow Rules in Detail

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the rules to ensure a comprehensive understanding:

1. Dealing: The dealer shuffles the dominoes and arranges them into eight stacks of four. They then roll three dice to determine who receives the first stack.
2. Setting Hands: Each player receives four dominoes and must create two hands, a high hand and a low hand. The total value of each hand is the sum of the pips, modulo 9 (the remainder after dividing by 9).
3. Hand Ranking: Hands are ranked from 0 (Gow or Bai Gow) to 9. A hand with a higher value beats a hand with a lower value.
4. Tile Ranking: If two hands have the same value, the hand containing the highest-ranking single tile wins. The ranking order of single tiles is: Gee Joon (6-6), Teen (1-1), Gow (4-4), Look Gow (1-3), Wong (5-5), High Seven (5-6), then descending order by pip count (6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1).
5. Supreme Pairs (Geen Wai): The pairs Gee Joon (6-6), Teen (1-1), Gow (4-4), and Look Gow (1-3) are supreme pairs. They outrank all other pairs except a higher-ranking supreme pair.
6. Wongs and Gongs: Wongs are combinations of an 8 with either a 2-1 or 3-1. Gongs are combinations of a 7 with either a 2-1 or 3-1. Wongs outrank Gongs and all other non-pair combinations except for combinations that make a higher point value.
7. Banker’s Advantage: In the event of a tie (both hands having the same value and the same highest-ranking tile), the banker wins.
8. Mis-sets: If a player sets their hands incorrectly (e.g., their high hand is lower than their low hand), they automatically lose.
9. Betting: Players place their bets before the dominoes are dealt. Betting limits vary depending on the casino or game.
10. Commission: Casinos typically charge a commission (usually 5%) on winning bets.

Basic Pai Gow Strategy

While Pai Gow involves a significant element of luck, strategic decision-making can improve your chances of winning. Here are some fundamental strategies to keep in mind:

Maximize Your Strongest Hand

Prioritize creating the strongest possible high hand, even if it means weakening your low hand slightly. A strong high hand increases your chances of winning at least one of the comparisons.

Consider the Domino Ranking

Always be aware of the domino rankings when setting your hands. A seemingly insignificant difference in tile rank can be crucial in a tie situation.

Breaking Up Pairs Wisely

Breaking up a pair can be a difficult decision. Generally, it’s better to keep high-ranking pairs (Gee Joon, Teen, Gow, Look Gow) together. Lower-ranking pairs may be broken up if doing so significantly strengthens your other hand. However, carefully evaluate the potential outcomes before splitting any pair.

Avoid Mis-setting

Double-check your hands before the reveal to ensure that your high hand is indeed higher than your low hand. A mis-set results in an automatic loss.

Observe the Banker’s Style

If you’re playing against a player-banker, try to observe their setting style. This can give you clues about their tendencies and help you make better decisions.

Practice Good Bankroll Management

As with any casino game, it’s essential to manage your bankroll effectively. Set a budget before you start playing and stick to it. Avoid chasing losses and know when to walk away.

Advanced Pai Gow Strategies

Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore more advanced strategies to further enhance your gameplay:

Bluffing

While not as prevalent as in poker, bluffing can be a useful tool in Pai Gow. You can sometimes set your hands in a way that makes it appear as though you have a weaker hand than you actually do, enticing the banker to bet more aggressively. This is a risky strategy, but it can be effective in certain situations.

Reading Tells

If you’re playing against other players, try to observe their body language and facial expressions. They might inadvertently reveal clues about the strength of their hands. This is particularly helpful when playing against a player-banker.

Understanding Probabilities

While it’s impossible to know exactly which tiles your opponents have, you can use your knowledge of the domino set to estimate the probabilities of certain outcomes. This can help you make more informed decisions about how to set your hands.

Varying Your Setting Style

Don’t become predictable in your setting style. If you always set your hands the same way, your opponents will be able to anticipate your moves. Vary your approach to keep them guessing.

Exploiting Banker Tendencies

If you’re playing against a player-banker, try to identify their weaknesses and exploit them. For example, if the banker tends to be overly conservative, you might be able to bluff them more effectively.

Pai Gow Variations

While the standard rules of Pai Gow are generally consistent, there are some variations to be aware of:

Pai Gow Tiles vs. Pai Gow Poker

It’s important to distinguish between Pai Gow Tiles (the game described in this guide) and Pai Gow Poker, which is played with standard playing cards. While both games share the concept of setting two hands, the rules and strategies are quite different.

House Ways

Some casinos offer a “House Way” option, which allows the dealer to set your hands for you according to a predetermined strategy. This can be helpful for beginners, but it’s generally not recommended for experienced players, as it can reduce your chances of winning.

Regional Variations

Depending on the region or casino, there may be minor variations in the rules or betting limits. Always be sure to clarify the specific rules before you start playing.

Tips for Winning at Pai Gow

Here are some additional tips to help you improve your Pai Gow skills:

• Practice: The best way to learn Pai Gow is to practice. Play online or with friends to get a feel for the game.
• Study: Read articles, watch videos, and learn from experienced players.
• Be Patient: Pai Gow can be a slow-paced game. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t win right away.
• Stay Focused: Pay attention to the game and avoid distractions.
• Have Fun: Pai Gow is a challenging and rewarding game. Enjoy the experience!

Conclusion

Pai Gow is a complex and intriguing game that offers a unique blend of luck and strategy. By understanding the dominoes, mastering the rules, and applying effective strategies, you can significantly improve your chances of winning. So, take the time to learn the game, practice your skills, and get ready to experience the excitement of Pai Gow!