The truth is, Pai Gow Poker is one of the most beginner-friendly casino games out there—especially if you're new to the casino world or just looking to play smarter, not harder. But like any game, it comes with its own set of quirks and nuances that can trip you up if you don't know what to expect.
One of the most common questions I get from new players is: What happens if I get a tie in Pai Gow Poker? You might have heard the buzzword "push" thrown around, and maybe you’ve even experienced it but never really understood why or what it meant in practice. So, let’s break down the pai gow push rules, explore why this game is known for its slow pace, and touch on some smart game choices to maximize your casino experience.
Sounds Simple, Right? But What Does a 'Tie' Actually Mean in Pai Gow Poker?
In Pai Gow Poker, you play against the dealer—not other players—and your goal is to create two hands from seven cards: a five-card "high" hand and a two-card "low" hand, each ranked like in traditional poker. To win, both your hands have to beat the dealer’s corresponding hands.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting: if you win one hand but lose the other, or if both you and the dealer end up with the exact same hand rankings, the round is called a push. You neither win nor lose your bet; your chips stay safe on the table.
Why Does the Push Happen So Often?
Here's what kills me: this is a big reason why pai gow poker is slower paced compared to other table games—the back-and-forth between winning, losing, and pushing extends the game rounds and gives the house thegamehaus.com a very slight edge.
Think of it like trading punches in a boxing match—you might land a solid hit (win one hand) but get jabbed back (lose the other), so neither fighter takes a clear advantage. A push is that neutral moment where the rounds reset, the bets stay, and the game continues.
What Does the Push Mean for Your Bankroll?
A push means your original wager returns to you. So, you don’t gain any chips—no glory, no loss—just the excellent opportunity to try again. This conservative edge is why the house edge on Pai Gow Poker hovers around 2.5% to 3.0% with optimal play, making it a smart choice for cautious gamblers.
Why Does Pai Gow Feel So Slow?
Ever wonder why Pai Gow is slow? Unlike games like blackjack or roulette where you can bet and cash in quickly, Pai Gow relies heavily on the "push" mechanism. Since many hands end in a tie, the game progression stretches out. It’s like watching a suspenseful movie where the plot twists take their time—you don’t rush because every decision counts.
That slower pace benefits the casino subtly: it limits the number of wagers per hour, controlling the amount of money players can possibly win or lose in a given session. The game’s complexity and push-heavy nature make it a built-in pace regulator.
Playing It Smart: Why Game Selection Matters
Knowing the rules and pace of Pai Gow Poker is a great start. But smart play means looking at the bigger picture—especially when it comes to choosing other games at the casino. Since you’re here on a site like Stake.com or heading to a live casino, your game selection can dramatically affect your bankroll and fun.
For instance, one rookie mistake I see constantly is opting for American Roulette instead of European Roulette when both options are available. Sounds trivial, right? But it’s a classic example of not understanding the house edge.
The House Edge Breakdown: American vs. European Roulette
Roulette Type Wheel Layout House Edge Why It Matters American Roulette Numbers 1–36, 0, and 00 5.26% Higher house edge due to the extra '00' European Roulette Numbers 1–36 and 0 2.7% Lower house edge, better odds for playersEver wonder why the casino pushes that American wheel so hard? That extra double-zero pocket nearly doubles their advantage over you. So, if you're at a casino or gambling online at sites like Stake.com, always hunt down the European wheel when available.
Low Risk vs High Risk Bets: The Pai Gow Poker and Roulette Story
Pai Gow’s push rules and slow pace make it a low-risk choice. You might not hit big wins often, but your losses happen slowly. European Roulette offers slightly more volatility but better odds than American—still, it’s far riskier than Pai Gow.
So, how do you decide where to place your chips?
- Beginners: Pai Gow Poker is a perfect start. Low volatility means less nail-biting. Risk-tolerant Players: European Roulette offers more excitement with decent odds. Avoid: American Roulette unless it’s the only option and you’re feeling lucky (I don’t recommend it).
Winning One Hand, Losing One: What It Means
In Pai Gow Poker, winning one hand but losing the other is a push, yes—but it also means you’re splitting attention and bets between two hands, effectively managing risk. This dual-hand strategy is unique and part of why many players grow fond of the game despite its slow pace.
Think of it like balancing plates—you want both upright. One falls and you’re toast, but balance both and you stay in the game. It’s a mental exercise, and over time you get better at setting your “high” and “low” hands to maximize push and minimize losses.
Final Thoughts: Play Smarter, Not Harder
So, what happens if you get a tie in Pai Gow Poker? You get a push, meaning your original bet comes right back to you. It feels like you’re treading water, but that balance is exactly why the game is great for beginners and bankroll-conscious players.
Don’t fall into the trap I’ve seen countless times: rushing into American Roulette without thinking about that higher house edge. Instead, focus on game selection—know your odds and seek European Roulette wheels when spinners call your name.
Above all, remember: the casino always has a slight advantage, whether it’s in Pai Gow with its push rules or in roulette wheels with their pockets. Your job? Play smart, understand the house edge, and have fun—not frustration. And hey, if you ever find a European Roulette table with a lucky number 17, well—that’s a sign to bet it all.
Happy gaming!