Pai Gow Poker is known for being a “slow” game with many “pushes” (ties), making it great for players who want to extend their bankroll. However, the 5% commission and the choice between playing as the “Player” or the “Banker” can make the math confusing.
Our free Pai Gow Poker Calculator helps you see the true cost of the game. It functions as a specialized pai gow commission calculator and House Edge analyzer, showing you exactly how much you save by banking or switching to “No Commission” variants like Face Up Pai Gow.
How to Use the Pai Gow Calculator
- Select Game Variant:
- Standard: The classic game with a 5% commission on wins.
- Face Up Pai Gow: Dealer cards are exposed, no commission, but Dealer “Ace-High” pushes all hands.
- EZ Pai Gow: No commission, but Dealer “Queen-High” pushes.
- Select Banking Strategy: “Banking” allows you to play as the dealer. This is critical because the Banker wins on “Copy” hands (ties), giving you a mathematical advantage.
- Enter Stats: Input your bet size and game speed (usually 30-40 hands per hour due to the complex shuffling).
Why Banking Matters (The Math)
Most players ignore the “Banker” button, but our pai gow odds calculator proves why you should press it.
- Playing as Player: You face a House Edge of approximately 2.7% (Standard variant).
- Playing as Banker: Because you win “Copy” hands, the edge drops significantly. If you bank 50% of the time (alternating), the effective House Edge can drop to around 1.45%.
Commission vs. No Commission
In standard Pai Gow, you pay a 5% tax on winnings. If you bet $100 and win, you get $95. In Face Up Pai Gow, you keep the full $100, but the dealer pushes on an Ace-High “Pai Gow.” Use the calculator to see which rule set offers a lower expected loss for your hourly play.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the House Edge in Pai Gow Poker?
In standard play (non-banking), the house edge is roughly 2.84%. However, because the game is slow (many pushes), the hourly loss is often lower than Blackjack or Slots.
Should I always bank in Pai Gow?
Yes, if you have the bankroll to cover other players’ bets. Banking offers the best odds in the game because you win ties (copies). Alternating as the Banker reduces the overall house edge by nearly half.
What is a “Push” in Pai Gow?
A push occurs when you win one hand (e.g., the High Hand) but lose the other (the Low Hand). This happens in approximately 41% of all hands, which is why Pai Gow is considered a low-volatility game.