’Wizard Way’ for Pai Gow

Introduction

The "Wizard Way" for pai gow outlined here effectively reduces the house edge by 0.56% when the player is not the banker and 0.51% when they take on the role of banker. This is when compared to the standard house method, assuming a 5% commission is applied. Utilizing this strategy bridges 73% of the difference in house edge between the house way and the best possible approach. More specific information can be found in the table below.

I also have a printer friendly version of the strategy on this page.

Poland Recommended Online Casinos

100 % up to

2250zł

+200 spins

Massive gaming platform

Crypto-friendly

Loyalty program

Play Read Review

100 % up to

400zł

+100 spins

Bitcoin-friendly

Extra spins

Regular freebies

Play Read Review

120 % up to

1200zł

+50 spins

Welcome bonus package

Loyalty Program

Participate in slot tournaments featuring substantial prize pools

Play Read Review

100 % up to

400zł

+120 spins

Deposit and withdrawal limits that are relatively low

Accepted traditional and popular cryptocurrencies

Live games

Play Read Review

Pai Gow House Edge

Your Strategy	Opponent Strategy	Banking?	Commission	Prob. Win	Prob. Loss	Prob. Push	House Edge
House Way	House Way	No	5%	29.21%	30.18%	40.61%	2.44%
House Way	House Way	Yes	5%	30.18%	29.21%	40.61%	0.53%
House Way	House Way	No	4.76%	29.21%	30.18%	40.61%	2.37%
House Way	House Way	Yes	4.76%	30.18%	29.21%	40.61%	0.46%
Wizard Way	House Way	No	5%	29.07%	29.5%	41.43%	1.88%
Wizard Way	House Way	Yes	5%	30.03%	28.55%	41.42%	0.02%
Wizard Way	House Way	No	4.76%	29.07%	29.5%	41.43%	1.81%
Wizard Way	House Way	Yes	4.76%	30.03%	28.55%	41.42%	-0.05%
Optimal	House Way	No	5%	29.27%	29.48%	41.26%	1.67%
Optimal	House Way	Yes	5%	30.17%	28.46%	41.37%	-0.2%
Optimal	House Way	No	4.76%	29.27%	29.48%	41.26%	1.6%
Optimal	House Way	Yes	4.76%	30.17%	28.46%	41.37%	-0.27%

In essence, this strategy represents a significant advancement over the house method. To effectively implement it, follow the first applicable rule.

If you find a configuration that generates equal or superior high and low hands compared to all other options, then proceed with that play. For instance, with the hands 6-6, 6-6, 1-2, and 1-3, choosing the 7/teen pair emerges as the clear best option, which takes precedence over splitting a 6-6 pair for a 6/8 or higher hand.

It's important to note that the only exception for splitting occurs with a 6 pair. Foxwoods house way .

If you're unable to create a pair or if it’s ruled out by rule 2, you should maximize your score based on the potential of both pairs of tiles. Tiles that form pairs between 0 and 9 score according to their point value, whereas a gong is worth 10 points, and a wong gives you 11 points. For illustration, a hand composed of 6-6, 4-4, 3-6, and 2-3 can be categorized as 4/gong (4+10=14 points), 3/wong (3+11=14 points), or 7/7 (7+7=14 points). Thus, the total score for this hand is 14 points.

Once you’ve evaluated the hand, refer to the available plays to identify the highest scoring option. The play that provides the most points is the one you should select. For example, among the three options available for the 14-point hand mentioned previously, 7-7 ranks highest and should be played.

When faced with a decision to play either the 1-1 or 6-6 tile in a gong, wong, or high 9 scenario, opt for the 6-6 tile.

Obvious Rule
Pair
- Gee joon pair: Split only with 6-6, 6-5, or 6-4.
- For a 2,12 pair: Consider splitting to create a 6/8 or even better hand, or use it alongside 9 and 11.
- Regarding a 6 pair: This applies to any combination involving tiles numbered 2, 11, and 12.
- 7 pair: With any combination of 2, 10, 11, or 12 tiles.
- With an 8 pair: It can be paired with any combination of 2, 10, 11, or 12 tiles, and can also be split with 9 and 11.
- For a 9 pair: Combine it with any combination of 2, 10, and 12 tiles.
No Pair
1. 7/low 8 gong
2. 6/wong
3. 8/high 9
4. 7/high 8 gong
5. 8/9

1. 7/high 9
2. 6/low 8 gong
3. 7/9
4. 6/high 8 gong
5. 8/8
6. 5/wong

1. 6/high 9
2. 5/low 8 gong
3. 7/8
4. 4/wong
5. 6/9
6. 5/high 8 gong

1. 5/high 9
2. 4/low 8 gong
3. 7/7
4. 3/wong
5. 4/high 8 gong
6. 6/8
7. 5/9

1. 2/wong
2. 6/7
3. 3/low 8 gong
4. 4/high 9
5. 3/high 8 gong
6. 5/8
7. 4/9

1. 1/wong
2. 2/gong
3. 6/6
4. 5/7
5. 3/9
6. 4/8

1. 0/wong
2. 1/gong
3. 2/high 9
4. 5/6
5. 2/9
6. 4/7
7. 3/8

1. 0/gong
3. 1/9
4. 5/5
5. 2/8
6. 3/7
7. 4/6

1. 0/9
2. 1/8
3. 2/7
4. 4/5
5. 3/6

1. 0/8
2. 1/7
3. 4/4
4. 2/6
5. 3/5

Maximize the low pair.
- 20 Points or More: Maximize high hand
- 18, 19 Points: Maximize low hand
- 17 Points:
- 16 Points:
- 15 Points:
- 14 Points:
- 13 Points:
- 12 Points:
- 11 Points:
- 10 Points:
- 9 Points:
- 8 Points:
- 7 Points:
- When holding a 7-point hand, refrain from utilizing the two highest-ranked tiles within the same hand.
  1. 0/7
  2. 3/4
  3. 2/5
  4. 1/6
- 6 Points or Less: