Quote from jeruweb3 on October 29, 2023, 5:44 am

Pai Gow Poker has long been a favorite in the world of casino card games. It combines elements of ancient Chinese dominoes with traditional Poker, creating an exciting and strategy-filled experience. If you're looking for an intriguing twist on this classic game, Face Up Pai Gow Poker might be just what you need.

Getting Acquainted with the Basics

In Face Up Pai Gow Poker, players are in for an exhilarating head-to-head battle against the dealer. What sets this variant apart is the thrilling advantage of seeing the dealer's hand before making your moves. This unique feature adds a layer of strategy to the game, allowing you to make more informed decisions.

Like the standard Pai Gow, each player and the dealer are dealt seven cards from a standard deck of 52 cards, plus one Joker. The Joker serves a triple role—it can act as an Ace, complete a Straight, or help form a Flush. This versatility opens up an array of possibilities and keeps every hand exciting.

The Setup and the Play

The game kicks off with the dealer initiating a random number generator to decide who receives the first hand. Starting with the dealer and moving counter-clockwise, players are numbered from one onwards. The dealer will arrange their hand as per the house rules and then guide players to set their hands.

Each player's seven cards must be divided into two hands: a High Hand with five cards and a Low Hand with two cards. After carefully forming these hands, they are placed face down in the designated positions on the table layout.

The Quest for Victory

In Face Up Pai Gow Poker, your goal is to have both your High and Low Hands rank higher than the dealer's hands to win your bet. If you've ever played traditional Poker, you'll find this concept familiar. Just like Poker, hand rankings determine the winner. However, there's a crucial requirement—the Low Hand, consisting of two cards, must have a lower rank than the High Hand with five cards. Failing to meet this criterion results in a "foul hand," leading to an automatic loss of the wager.

To claim a victory, both your High and Low Hands must win against the dealer's hands. If one hand wins while the other loses, it's a "push," and no money exchanges hands. In the event of a tie (both hands having the same rank), the house emerges as the winner for that portion of the hand.

One of the attractive aspects of Face Up Pai Gow Poker is that it's a commission-free game. Unlike some variants of Poker, you won't pay a 5% commission when you beat the dealer. The game keeps things straightforward, ensuring players can fully enjoy their winnings.

Bonuses and More Excitement

Face Up Pai Gow Poker introduces several enticing bonus opportunities, adding extra layers of excitement to your gameplay.

1. Progressive Bonus: With a $5 wager, you can enter the race for the progressive jackpot, which has previously reached jaw-dropping amounts, even crossing the million-dollar mark.

2. Fortune Bonus: This bonus rewards you when your best possible seven-card hand matches the paytable's payouts. Betting at least $5 on the Fortune Bonus activates an "envy" button, making you eligible for envy bonus payouts. This feature brings an additional level of suspense to the game.

3. Envy Bonus: Envy Bonuses are distributed by the dealer at the end of each round. If at least one player lands a hand that qualifies for Envy Bonus payouts, everyone with an envy button wins. While you can snag multiple Envy Bonuses in one round, you won't win an Envy Bonus for your own or the dealer's hand. Be sure to check the paytable for detailed payout information.

4. Ace-High: In the rare case that the dealer plays an Ace-High Pai Gow (a hand with an Ace and no pairs or higher), all main wagers from players automatically push. This intriguing feature adds a dynamic element to the game, keeping players engaged until the very end.

For those who need guidance, the dealer or supervisor is always ready to assist in creating the highest possible ranking according to the House Ways. However, keep in mind that the house cannot be held responsible for any potential losses.

In conclusion, Face Up Pai Gow Poker takes the classic game we know and love and injects it with fresh excitement. The ability to see the dealer's hand before making decisions, the engaging bonus opportunities, and the intuitive gameplay make it a must-try for both novice and experienced players. So, join the action, place your bets, and embark on an enthralling journey through the world of Face Up Pai Gow Poker.

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