Description
We’ve talked a lot about how much we love combing classic games, at least when it’s done right, but one we didn’t expect was the combination of pai gow and poker.
It is a winner though in terms of Fortune Pai Gow Poker, a great blend of what is a much-loved table game and essentially Chinese dominoes.
Naturally, you’ll be ahead of the game somewhat if you’re already an astute poker player, but this game has a twist.
If you’re not too adept at either classic game, this is a good way to get to know how to play them both and so can act as a springboard to being an expert in each of them the next time you hit the casino tables.
How to play
The main premise of Fortune Pai Gow Poker is to get yourself a pair of winning poker hands – a two-card hand and a winning five-card hand.
To be able to win, both hands will need to beat the corresponding poker hands held by the banker who might be one of the players or the house dealer depending on the site you choose. Each game is played with a single deck of cards, the standard 52 plus a joker.
How to Play Fortune Pai Gow Poker
When you’ve decided on your bet amount, place your wagers and the dealer will give you seven cards, placed face down.
Click to pick up your cards and split them into two poker hands – a two-card hand and a five-card hand. The five-card hand will need to have a higher rank than the two-card hand. From there, compare your two hands to those of the banker. In order to win, both of your hands must be higher in value than the banks.
Regular players of Pai Gow, which we recommend you get to know, will spot its influence on this game as they go along.
Return to Player
Fortune Pai Gow Poker is considered a game of skill, not simply chance, and so the RTP can differ. There is of course always a chance element, i.e. you don’t know what cards you’re about to be dealt, but how you deal with them is up to you.
Generally speaking, the house advantage in Fortune Pai Gow Poker is anywhere from 0.5% to 2.5%, giving us an RTP in the region of 97.5% to 99.5%, a healthy figure no matter which way you read it.
Verdict
Given that you can play this game free, cheaply, or for big money, there are several reasons to give it a go. Accomplished poker players can do very well here, while those looking to get into poker and/or pai gow may want to use Fortune Pai Gow Poker as an ‘in’.
The RTP is healthy, it can be played on various sites via desktop, iOS or Android, and is a very entertaining combo useful for those bored with simply playing classic casino games in their ordinary form.
Poker 
