Pai Gow Poker by Microgaming Review
| Updated: Microgaming’s Pai Gow Poker transports the ancient Chinese domino game to the felt in a sleek digital format. This table-style title debuted in 2006 and still commands a loyal following thanks to its 97.27% RTP, low volatility and optional Bonus Bet that can return up to 8,000x. Easy-to-use controls let you split seven cards into high and low hands while competing against the dealer for frequent pushes and modest commissions. This Pai Gow Poker review covers everything you need to know before taking a seat.
Pai Gow Poker Pros and Cons
- Pros
- House edge just 2.72% on the main bet
- Frequent pushes keep bankroll swings minimal
- Joker acts as a wild to complete strong hands
- Bonus Bet offers payouts up to 8,000x
- User-friendly interface suitable for beginners
- Cons
- No progressive jackpot element
- Higher 5.79% house edge on the Bonus Bet
Pai Gow Poker Data Table
| Game Summary | |
|---|---|
| Game Type | Card Poker Table Game |
| Developer | Microgaming |
| Release Date | 2006 |
| Layout | 7 cards dealt (5-card high & 2-card low) |
| RTP | 97.27% |
| Volatility | Low |
| Minimum Bet | $1 |
| Maximum Bet | $200 (main) / $20 (Bonus) |
| Max Payout | 8,000x stake |
Pai Gow Poker Theme & Symbols
Pai Gow Poker embraces a classic casino atmosphere, placing players at a virtual green-felt table surrounded by vividly rendered chips and realistic 3-D playing cards that include a single Joker. The focus is on authenticity, mirroring the brick-and-mortar experience with betting boxes, coin stacks and a chip tray. Subtle Asian motifs pay homage to the game’s roots while keeping distractions to a minimum so players can concentrate on hand-setting strategy.
Visuals & Audio
The interface features crystal-clear card graphics, smooth chip animations and soft ambient lounge music. Every wager triggers satisfying clinks, while cards glide across the table with seamless motion. A gentle hum of background chatter mimics the buzz of a live pit, and toggleable game prompts keep the screen uncluttered. Overall, the presentation balances realism with fast loading times, ensuring a pleasant session on both desktop and mobile devices.
Pai Gow Poker Payout Table
| Hand Combination (Bonus Bet) | Multiplier |
|---|---|
| Straight | 2x |
| Three of a Kind | 3x |
| Flush | 4x |
| Full House | 5x |
| Four of a Kind | 25x |
| Straight Flush | 50x |
| Royal Flush | 150x |
| Five Aces (with Joker) | 400x |
| 7-Card Straight Flush with Joker | 1,000x |
| Royal Flush + Pair of Deuces | 2,000x |
| 7-Card Straight Flush (no Joker) | 8,000x |
How to Play Pai Gow Poker
play Pai Gow Poker by selecting a chip value and placing up to two wagers: the main bet and an optional Bonus Bet. After clicking Deal, seven cards are dealt to you and to the dealer. Arrange your cards into a 5-card “high” hand and a 2-card “low” hand, making sure the high hand outranks the low. Use the House Way button for an auto-split or set hands manually for strategic control. Win both hands to receive 0.95:1 on the main bet; win one and lose one for a push; lose both and the stake is forfeited. The Bonus Bet is resolved independently using the paytable above.
Tips & Strategies for Pai Gow Poker
- Follow the House Way when uncertain; it keeps the house edge at its published 2.72%.
- Reserve the Bonus Bet for occasional shots; its higher variance can erode bankroll quickly.
- Split medium pairs (7s thru 10s) only when they improve your low hand; keep high pairs intact.
- Remember the Joker counts as an Ace unless it completes a straight, flush or straight flush.
- Bank when allowed (in some casino versions) to flip the edge slightly in your favour.
Pai Gow Poker Review Verdict
Pai Gow Poker delivers a low-risk, strategy-driven experience with sizable side-bet jackpots. Its polished interface, realistic audio and generous RTP make it a rewarding choice for poker fans who enjoy a slower pace and frequent pushes.
FAQ
- What is the RTP of Microgaming’s Pai Gow Poker?
- The game offers a solid 97.27% return to player, translating to a 2.72% house edge on the main wager.
- How does the Joker work?
- The single Joker is wild; it substitutes as an Ace or completes a straight, flush or straight flush.
- Is the Bonus Bet worth taking?
- It can award up to 8,000x but carries a higher 5.79% house edge, so treat it as a high-risk side option.
- Can I play Pai Gow Poker on mobile?
- Yes. The HTML5 release runs smoothly on iOS and Android browsers without additional downloads.
- Are there optimal strategies?
- Using the House Way for difficult hands, splitting large pairs judiciously and banking when possible are the best practices for reducing the edge.