The House Edge Showdown: Face Up Pai Gow Poker Vs. Traditional Pai Gow Poker

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Ever wondered how the new kid on the casino block, Face Up Pai Gow Poker, stacks up against the seasoned veteran, traditional Pai Gow Poker? Buckle up, because we're about to dive deep into the world of Pai Gow Poker variants, comparing house edges and what these mean for your gaming experience.

Key Takeaways

• Face Up Pai Gow Poker offers full transparency by exposing all dealer cards and eliminating the traditional 5% commission on wins.
• A unique twist: In Face Up Pai Gow Poker, a dealer's ace-high hand leads to an automatic push, adding a fascinating layer to the game's strategy.
• Lower House Edge: Face Up Pai Gow Poker boasts a 1.81% house edge, a noticeable improvement over traditional Pai Gow Poker's 2.72%.

Face Up Pai Gow Poker: A Closer Look

At first glance, Face Up Pai Gow Poker seems to offer a refreshing take on the traditional game. By laying all cards on the table—quite literally—the game introduces a level of transparency seldom seen in casino offerings. But, as with any deal that seems too good to be true, there's a catch or two to consider.

The Catch(es)

• Automatic Push: If the dealer lands an ace-high hand, it's an automatic push. While this might initially seem like a dampener, it introduces a new strategic element to the game.
• No Player Banking: This variant sticks strictly to player vs. dealer dynamics, sidelining the traditional player banking option.

Why It Might Be Your New Favorite

Despite the twists, Face Up Pai Gow Poker offers an appealing house edge of 1.81%, underlining its potential as a player-friendly game. This edge is significantly lower than the 2.72% house edge you'd encounter in traditional Pai Gow Poker, assuming optimal play and no player banking.

The game's almost 50% push probability and a low standard deviation of 0.72 suggest a game that's less about rollercoaster highs and lows and more about steady, engaging play. For players seeking a game that's easy on the nerves and the bankroll, Face Up Pai Gow Poker is a compelling choice.

Traditional Pai Gow Poker: The Classic Challenge

The traditional version of Pai Gow Poker, with its 5% commission on winning hands and the option for player banking, offers a different kind of thrill. The higher house edge and the possibility of banking give it a volatility and strategic depth that some players crave.

Which Should You Play?

Face Up Pai Gow Poker is arguably the best bet for those who prefer a more transparent and less volatile gaming experience. Its lower house edge and unique gameplay twists make it an attractive option for both newcomers and seasoned players looking for something different.

On the other hand, if you're drawn to the traditional aspects of casino games, including the potential to bank and don't mind the higher house edge, traditional Pai Gow Poker might be more your speed.

Final Thoughts

No matter which variant you lean towards, Pai Gow Poker—in any form—promises a unique blend of strategy, luck, and fun. Whether you're drawn to the face-up transparency and lower house edge of the new variant or the classic challenge of the traditional game, there's a Pai Gow Poker table waiting for you.

(First reported by: Gambling 102 Second Edition, Michael "Wizard of Odds" Shackleford)