Pai Gow

Rules of the game

Pai Gow is an ancient Chinese game which loosely translated means ‘make nine’.

The player plays against the House.

The game shall be played with 32 prescribed tiles (dominoes), three dice and a shaker.

Each individual and specific combination of tiles are given rankings; some are coloured red but this does not affect the score or ranking of a tile or pair.

The top ranking hand is called the Supreme Pair and consists of [2-1] and [4-2]. These are wild tiles and can be used as either 3 or 6 when making pairs only.

The next tiers of hands are called Pairs and are in order of rank as shown in the diagram on the reverse.

The next tier of hands are called Wongs and consist of a nine paired with a double one or double six.

The next tier of hands are called Gongs and consist of eight paired with a double ore or double six.

If the player or dealer cannot obtain any of the specific combination of tiles, then the number of points on the two tiles (dominoes) that form the hand will be added to form a total. This value shall be a single figure (0 – 9) inclusive should that sum exceed 9 (as nine is the highest possible value) then ten is subtracted from this figure to form the hand value. For example, 6 and 5 = 11, subtract 10 = 1.

Prior to the start of the game all players will place an initial bet. The dealer will mix up the tiles face down, arrange them into stacks of four then tumble the dice to determine which player will receive the first stack of tiles. Players may play more than one betting position.

The Dealer and players are dealt 4 tiles each and must form two hands of two tiles each; a high and low hand. When all hands have been set the dealer will reveal his tiles and must form their hands in a set way called the ‘House Way’ before comparing their two hands against each opposing player’s two hands in turn.

For players to win, both their hands must out rank the dealers hands.

If the player’s High hand beats the dealer’s equivalent High hand, but their Low hand does not beat the dealer’s Low hand, (i.e. one wins and one loses) the player’s bet is a stand off (Tie/push) and is returned to them.

If there is an exact match between the player’s High Hand and the dealer’s High Hand, the hand will then be determined by the higher ranking domino in each hand, if there is still an exact match the dealer will win the High Hand. Similarly, if there is an exact match between the player’s Low Hand and the dealer’s Low Hand, the hand will then be determined by the higher ranking domino in each hand, if there is still an exact match the dealer will win the Low Hand.

If both the player’s High Hand and their Low Hand lose to the dealer, their bet is lost to the House.

Winning bets are paid 19:20 Odds.