As with all casino games, pai gow poker protocol and etiquette is just as important as in other card games. The rules of etiquette are put in place to prevent players from cheating on gaining an edge on the house. Before you read the protocol and etiquette rules, please make sure that you understand the basics of pai gow poker and go through our pai gow poker tutorial. Also use our pai gow poker smarts and strategy article if you would like to learn more.
Pai Gow Poker Protocol and Etiquette rules:
- Once your two hands are placed face-down in their appropriate locations on the table, you are not allowed to touch your cards for any reason.
- Make sure your second-highest hand does not beat your highest hand. If you accidentally set a stronger front hand, your hand is fouled and you will automatically lose your bet. The other thing is, if the dealer make this mistake, the hands will be reset according to the House Ways.
- Do not be afraid to ask for help. If you have any problems, the dealer will advise you on how to do it. His advice will be according to the House Ways.
- The atmosphere during a pai gow poker match is generally relaxed with advise flowing freely. That is if you ask for advice. Casinos will vary on their tolerance for shared card information. Some casinos or dealer will not even complain if players are chatting and consulting with each other on how to st their hands. Other casinos or dealers will prohibit a player whose cards are not on the table from looking at another player’s cards.
- If you play more than one player spot at a table, the first hand must belong to the spot which has the largest of your bets if the amounts vary. This rule is supposed to minimize the benefit of seeing a larger percentage of the deck. Even if this would happen, it probably won’t change your strategy.
- Your seven cards should be in full view of the dealer at all times. If you hold them away from the table, you will probably get a reminder not to do so.
