If you don’t have that BIG bankroll for that points multiplier day, I suggest you learn to play Pai Gow Poker. Here are 4 Reasons To Play Pai Gow Poker On Multiplier Days.
To help learn the strategy, visit the Wizard of Odds and play a free tutorial.
Related Post – Pai Gow Poker Tips for Beginners
What is Pai Gow Poker?
Pai gow poker (double-hand poker) uses cards instead of traditional Pai Gow’s Chinese dominoes. The game was created in 1985 in the United States by Sam Torosian and uses a standard 52-card deck plus a single joker. Here are four reasons I prefer to play Pai Gow Poker for any status or point multiplier days at the casino.
#1 – The Game Has a Slow Pace – Pai Gow Poker On Multiplier Days
Pai Gow Poker is a relatively slow-paced game, with 40% of the hands ending up in a push, slowing the game down. More time gives you more dealt hands for your bankroll for multiplier Days to use the multiplier to your advantage. In general, it also helps your ADT since time played is an essential part of it.
Related Post – Casino Comps and Average Daily Theoretical (ADT)
The dealer deals all seven hands for the six players and the dealer at a Pai Gow Poker table, whether there are six players or not. Playing alone doesn’t speed the game up as other table games do. (Ex, BlackJack)
#2 – Low House Edge Helps The Bankroll Last Longer
The average house edge for Pai Gow Poker is around 2.5%, and as mentioned previously, 40% of the hands end up in a push. If 30 hands are dealt per hour, only 18 wins or lose. If you’re betting $25 per hand (typical table minimum these days), your expected loss rate is only $11.25 per hour.
The casino is quite aware of the game’s low house edge. But remember, time played is an essential part of keeping or raising your ADT.
#3 – A Different Type of Camaraderie
Every player plays against the same dealer hand, which causes the table to win or lose together, resulting in a fun and social game. Players enjoy watching others have high-ranking hands or hoping for a soft hand from the dealer. A pleasant social atmosphere at the table makes the time needed for playing big on a multiplier day easier.
#4 – Less Stress – 4 Reasons To Play Pai Gow Poker On Multiplier Days
While Pai Gow Poker can sometimes be a grind, there is less pressure on players when they sit out a hand. For example, it is an option for any player to act as “the banker.” meaning that his hand takes the place of the dealer’s to beat. As a result, I always pull my bets back. I’m not superstitious, but I make it appear to be, thus giving me an extra hand credited in my rating by the pit boss without a wager.
Also, you can take all the time you need to set your hand. Then, after everyone’s hand is fixed (a low 2-card hand and a high 5-card hand), a player can ask the dealer, another player, or all players (even the pit boss) for suggestions to set your two hands. In addition, it also slows the game’s pace but does not necessarily affect the expected hands per table average.
Summary
I find Pai Gow Poker to be a fun game. I find it a great way to have a big play on multiplier days. And I have two additional snippets of advice for an even better space.
- First, tip the dealer. More than others, the dealer can help raise your rating in this game. The pit bosses repeatedly ask the dealers for information on everyone’s play. It can mean the difference between a rating of $25 or even $50, depending on how you take care of your dealer. I prefer to play for the dealer instead of tipping. I will put a $5 chip above my hands, so the dealer plays with me, depending on my hand. Now, the dealer and I are a team. You’d be surprised how friendly they can be with you. Remember, that chip could stay out there for many hands because of the number of hands with pushes.
- Second, best be aware of the correct strategy for setting a hand with two pairs. It will save your bankroll.
- Finally, don’t be suckered into the side bets. Yes, the Fortune side bet can be fun, and the progressive bonus can be very lucrative if you’re lucky, but keep to just your ante and keep the house edge on its low side.
Remember my New Year’s resolution – “Play Bigger, but Play Less Often.” You might try Pai Gow Poker next time.
Binbin