Face Up Pai Gow Poker Payouts Explained
Face Up Pai Gow Poker is a fun and low-pressure table game that blends elements of traditional poker with unique casino twists. A favorite among players who enjoy strategy and slower-paced gameplay, this variation offers straightforward rules, interesting side bets, and opportunities for substantial payouts. Understanding the Pai Gow payouts structure can enhance your experience at the tables and help you make the most of each hand.What is Face Up Pai Gow Poker?
Face Up Pai Gow Poker is a casino table game based on the traditional Chinese domino game Pai Gow, but adapted with poker rules and a player-versus-dealer format. In this version, both the dealer's and players' cards are dealt from a standard 53-card deck (including one joker), and, unlike regular Pai Gow, the dealer's cards are dealt face-up, giving players a clear view of what they're up against. This adds a unique strategic twist and lowers the house edge slightly, as players don't have to guess the dealer's hand.Basic Rules
Each player and the dealer receive seven cards, which are arranged into two hands: A five-card "high" hand (following traditional poker rankings) and a two-card "low" hand. The five-card hand must outrank the two-card hand. The goal is to beat both of the dealer's hands to win. If only one of your hands wins, the round is a push; if both lose, you lose the bet. The Joker can be used as an ace or to complete a straight, flush, or straight flush.Face Up Pai Gow vs. Regular Pai Gow vs. Traditional Poker
In Face Up Pai Gow Poker, the dealer's hand is fully exposed, eliminating the need for a "house way" setting for players, simplifying the game, and giving players an edge in decision-making. In contrast, in regular Pai Gow Poker, the dealer's cards are dealt face down, and players must rely on skill and probability to guess how the dealer might arrange their hands.Compare this to traditional poker, where players compete against each other, betting over multiple rounds based on the strength of their hands and bluffing ability. Pai Gow Poker is slower-paced, with far more pushes and less volatility.
Payout Structure in Face Up Pai Gow Poker
Unlike traditional poker with pot-based betting, Face Up Pai Gow Poker offers fixed payouts based on wagers and bonus side bets. Here's how the Pai Gow payouts break down.Standard Payouts
The base game is a 1:1 payout when the player wins both hands. If the player wins one hand and loses the other, it's a push. The house takes no commission in Face Up Pai Gow Poker, unlike regular Pai Gow Poker, where a 5 percent commission applies.Bonus Bets and Their Payouts
Most casinos, including Cache Creek Casino Resort, offer optional bonus bets that pay based on the strength of your seven-card hand, regardless of whether you beat the dealer. Common bonus bet payouts include:
- Five Aces (with joker): 400 to 1
- Royal Flush: 150 to 1
- Straight Flush: 50 to 1
- Four-of-a-Kind: 25 to 1
- Full House: 5 to 1
- Flush or Straight: 2 to 1
Progressive Jackpots
Many Face Up Pai Gow Poker tables feature progressive jackpot side bets, offering players the chance to win massive payouts on rare hands. These jackpots grow over time as a portion of each wager contributes to the prize pool. Hands that typically trigger a progressive jackpot include a seven-card straight flush with joker, a royal flush, and five aces.In addition to the main progressive, smaller bonus payouts are often awarded for other strong hands like four-of-a-kind or a full house. Even if you don't hit the top prize, the progressive side bet can add a layer of anticipation and excitement to each round.
Special Features of Face Up Pai Gow Poker
Face Up Pai Gow Poker includes unique features that enhance gameplay, offering a strategic edge and new ways to win. Some of these include:Emperor's Challenge
The Emperor's Challenge is a popular optional side bet specific to Face Up Pai Gow Poker. It pays out based on the rarity of your seven-card hand, regardless of how you arrange your cards or whether you beat the dealer. This bonus bet rewards rare combinations such as a seven-card straight flush, five aces with a joker, and a royal flush. The Emperor's Challenge is a fun and rewarding way to increase your potential payout, especially for players chasing big hands.Unique Casino Rules to Note
Each casino may have slightly different rules, especially concerning side bets, house ways (even if the dealer's cards are face-up), and qualifying hands for bonus Pai Gow payouts. Some casinos might also set a minimum hand (like a straight or better) to trigger bonus side bets. Always review the posted rules and speak with the dealer if you're unfamiliar with specific table guidelines.Where to Play in Brooks, CA
If you're looking to enjoy Face Up Pai Gow Poker in a premium setting, Brooks, CA is the place to go. The best option in the area is Cache Creek Casino Resort, which features a vibrant table games area with friendly dealers, clean facilities, and all the popular side bets, including progressives and Emperor's Challenge. Our poker and table games area offers a perfect mix of casual and serious play for newcomers and seasoned players.Common Misconceptions
Face Up Pai Gow Poker may seem complex at first glance, but it's more accessible than many assume. Some common misconceptions include:- "You need to beat both hands to win." True, but if you win one and lose one, you don't lose, you push.
- "The house always wins." While the house has an edge, the game offers many pushes, slowing your losses and extending playtime.
- "It's all luck." While luck plays a role, smart hand setting, awareness of dealer cards, and strategic betting (especially on side bets) all influence your results.