What Does the Joker in Pai Gow Mean?
The joker, also known as a bug, can be used in three different ways when playing pai gow poker:
- It can act as an ace if it is a two-card hand in play.
- It can be used to complete a straight as any card.
- It can also be used to complete a flush with any suit.
There are casinos in California that will use it as a wild card.
Understanding the Basics of Pai Gow Poker
These are the basic rules of playing pai gow poker. In this case, it means you need to be familiar with them, so you know whether the card will be considered as an ace or wild card. So, before you decide to play the game, check the basic rules of the game.
Pai Gow is played with 53 cards, including one joker. You can also use the basic strategy when playing the joker. If your hand has five aces and a joker, it is always best to split them. However, if you have a pair of kings with the aces, you can play all the aces, which will be your high hand.
Since there is a joker in play, there is a possibility of a five-of-a-kind hand. This hand beats a straight flush hand.
Playing Pai Gow Poker Online
Pai Gow is available to play at online casinos, and the rules are not different from playing it at land-based casinos. This means that the three ways we have mentioned how to play the joker will also apply. What’s more, you can also the basic strategy on the online pai gow game as well. The only difference is that you will be playing against an RNG instead of other players and a dealer.
We have listed various casinos where you can play pai gow online. Visit any of them to play real money pai gow poker.
