Pai Gow Poker Etiquette

Pai Gow Poker Etiquette Don’ts

• Don’t discuss your hand with other players: You’re not supposed to share information about your cards with other customers, though many dealers are lax about this rule.
• Don’t touch your cards until after all the cards are dealt: Though it’s not the end of the world if you violate this rule, doing so will usually result in a polite reprimand from the dealer. Be patient and wait until all the cards are dealt.
• Don’t berate the dealer, even if you’re losing: The dealer has little control over the outcome of the game. If anything, the dealer wants you to win, since winning may make you more likely to tip.
• Don’t talk to other players while they’re deciding how to play their hands: They may be deep in concentration, and you don’t want to be a distraction.
• Don’t touch your bet after the cards have been dealt: This could easily be misconstrued as cheating.

Pai Gow Poker Etiquette Dos

• Do be friendly with the other players, especially if you want to play as banker: Other players are more likely to defer to your desire to be banker if you’re well liked.
• Do determine whether you’ve won or lost yourself: Even though the dealer will do this for you, dealers have been known to make mistakes, often in their favor.
• Do speak up if a mistake has been made that costs you money: The dealer will usually correct it as politely and efficiently as possible. On the other hand, you are under no obligation to point out errors in your favor.
• Do tip the dealer occasionally: As with most service professionals, dealers depend on your tips. Tipping makes for a more pleasant playing experience.
• Do ask the dealer how to play your hand if you’ve forgotten the best strategy: Though they’re not obligated to help you, they’ll usually at least show you how to set your hand according to the house way.