Pai Gow Poker Game Rules

This is not actually a Stud poker game, but is hard to classify anywhere else. Seven cards are immediately dealt face-down to each player. Each player divides their hand into one five-card hand and one two-card hand.

The five-card hand will play as a regular poker hand, but the two-card hand will play as a Two-Card Guts hand, consisting of either a pair, or a high card. The stipulation, however, is that the five-card hand must be of equal or better value than the two-card hand. For example, if the two-card hand consists of a pair of Jacks, then the five-card hand must consist of at least a pair of Jacks or better.

A betting round is made immediately after the deal. At the same time, all players reveal their two-card hands face-up. This is followed by a second betting round. All players then reveal their five-card hand. The best two-card hand collects half of the pot, the other half going to the player with the best five-card hand.