Face Up Pai Gow Poker is among the table games attracting more players in recent times, despite being around for about two decades. This game stands out for its openness in gameplay. You have complete visibility of the dealer’s entire hand before you make any decision, which is unusual.
Additionally, the traditional 5% commission taken on winning bets is abolished here, and side bets with jackpots are available. Isn’t that impressive? Yes, but there is a trade-off you should know about.
This American casino guide will provide you with information on how to play Face Up Pai Gow Poker, from its rules to winning strategies. Let’s get started.
Face Up Pai Gow Poker
Face Up Pai Gow Poker, introduced in 2005 by Robert Wang, is a variant of Pai Gow Poker created by Sam Torosian in 1985, which sadly he didn’t patent. How Face Up Pai Gow differs from regular Pai Gow is in the way hands are dealt.
In Face Up, dealers receive their cards turned up, exposing what they have, while players receive seven face-down cards each. This switch in play reduces the Face Up Pai Gow house edge to 2.5% compared to traditional Pai Gow’s 2.84% edge.
Hand Setup and Gameplay Rules
Below are 7 important Face Up Pai Gow Poker rules:
- A standard card deck with a joker included (53 cards in total) is used to play Face Up Pai Gow. After cards are dealt, you can place a standard Pai Gow bet and an optional side bet.
- The side wagers are the Ace High Bonus (which wins if the dealer’s hand is Ace-High) or the Fortune Bonus (which wins if your best five-card hand is a Three-of-a-Kind or better).
- To begin gameplay, you are to split your 7 cards into two different hands (ranked according to standard poker hands): a five-card high hand and a two-card low hand.
- The five-card hand must always be stronger than the two-card hand, which can only be a pair or two high cards. Otherwise, you’ll commit a foul and automatically lose even if you have the Texas Hold ’em cheat sheet.
- Use both hands to beat the dealer’s corresponding hands. If one hand wins and the other loses, it’s a push, and you get back your bet. However, the twist of the game is that if the dealer lands an Ace-High Pai Gow hand, every player pushes (no winners, no losers), no matter how strong your hand is.
- While playing, you can use the Joker in place of an Ace or to complete a specific hand (Straight, Flush, or Straight Flush).
- No commission is collected on the main bet, even money winnings.
Payouts
Face Up Pai Gow Poker odds and payouts vary. It is 1:1 for the main bet (beat the selected dealer’s five-card and two-card hand) while the side wagers have higher payouts. The fortune bonus, for example, can pay between 2:1 and 8,000 to 1.
Also, for Ace-high bets, payouts can range from 5:1 and 40:1, depending on the casino’s rules, whether the player has a similar hand, or if the dealer has a joker.
Face Up Pai Gow Poker Strategy Tips
The dealer’s card, which is revealed, helps to eliminate guesswork from your side, meaning you have to be calculative. Below are four strategy tips for playing Face Up Pai Gow Poker.
Analyze the Dealer’s Weak Spot
Before setting your hand, study whether the dealer’s 5-card hand looks beatable. If it does, aim to create a stronger 5-card hand. But if it doesn’t, you may need to set your 2-card hand to at least push.
Balance Your Hand Strength
Avoid total concentration on the 5-card hand. Such an approach exposes your weak 2-card hand to danger. Aim to have balanced hands. Check out our poker rules for beginners.
Maximize the Joker
Face Up Pai Gow Poker is one of the casino games with lowest house edge. You can use your Joker where it can help you clinch maximum payouts, especially for a Flush or Straight in your 5-card hand.
Know When to Push
Face Up Pai Gow Poker has enough push cases that can help you preserve your bankroll. Know when to settle for a push when needed.
Practice Matters Most in Face Up Pai Gow Poker
Face Up Pai Gow Poker is a fascinating game variant. Having access to complete information about the dealer’s hand entirely changes how you approach the game, taking you from uncertainty to complete awareness. Leverage the house’s transparency today and be entertained.
FAQs
What is Face Up Pai Gow poker?
Face Up Pai Gow poker is a notable card game variant where the dealer’s cards are dealt face up, revealing the complete information a player needs to set their hands.
What is the difference between Pai Gow and Face Up poker?
In Face Up Pai Gow, the dealer’s hand is dealt face up, while in standard Pai Gow, the dealer’s cards remain hidden until the players have set their hands.
Does Face Up Pai Gow have good odds?
Face Up Pai Gow offers a relatively low house edge (2.5%) and competitive side bet odds.