Pai gow poker II
Combination of hand rank is an important piece of gameplay in Pai gow poker. Since the game is played with two separate poker hands, there are many combinations of hand possible. The 2-card or minor hand is invariably represented by one pair or a couple of high cards, whereas for the 5-card or big hand, standard hand ranking and value of poker game is maintained. However, in some casinos an exception is found. For example, in the casinos of Nevada any player having a hand of cards like ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5 has a better hand than his opponent holding a straight with a king high but if someone has a straight hand with a high ace such as ace, king, queen, jack and 10, then he has the best hand of the three. But this rule is not a set one and in casinos in California and Michigan, the hand with ace, 2, 3, 4 and 5 cards is the only possible lowest straight hand.
The extra joker that is used in the game of Pai gow poker can either assume the value of an ace or be used as a bug if a player needs to complete his 5-card hand to form a straight or a flush. If found in the 2-card hand, then the joker invariably has the value of an ace card except in some casinos where it is an out and out wildcard.
To win a game of Pai gow poker is simple. A player must beat the banker’s corresponding 2-card and the 5-card hands. If the player has either a 2-card or a 5-card better hand than the banker, then the player can push the game. If now both the hands of the banker are higher than the player’s hands, the player will lose the entire bet.
