Pai Gow Tiles - Part 3 of 3 - Q & A
Pai Gow Tiles - Introduction to the Game - Part 1 of 3
Pai Gow Tiles - Exploring Strategies - Part 2 of 3
Hello, I’m Mike Shackleford, often referred to as the Wizard of Odds. Today marks the third segment of my Pai Gow series, and I’m accompanied by my friend Heather Ferris, as well as my favorite Pai Gow dealer, Tess.
We already covered:
In parts one and two, we covered essential rules and strategic insights. Now, let’s dive into some fun and interesting questions you might have about the game.
Heather, do you have any queries for me?
[00:00:40] Heather Ferris: Thank you so much for clarifying that; I genuinely appreciate it. I have a question for Tess, no hard feelings.
Tess, during the second video, you requested that I cut the deck. I’m curious, what are the various methods to cut the deck , and what are they typically named?
[00:00:59] Tess Dunn: Sure, Heather. Typically, when a player is permitted to cut the deck, they can perform up to three cuts, and it’s important to adhere to that limit.

There are several ways they can go
The house way Following that, [unintelligible 00:01:13] refers to the reverse house method, and there are other styles including [unintelligible 00:01:16] , [unintelligible 00:01:20] , [unintelligible 00:01:23] , and the long-tail method known for its dragon head and phoenix tail style, plus we can include the two ghosts knocking on a closed door.
[00:01:42] Mike: I've seen this one.
[00:01:43] Heather: I think that one is my favorite.
[00:01:45] Tess: Right? I really like that one too. I’m sure there are additional methods, but most establishments typically allow around five.
[00:01:53] Heather: Okay.
[00:01:53] Mike: A common method I notice is the Hong Kong bank , which is sometimes referred to as the Shanghai bank .
[00:01:59] Tess: Yes.
[00:01:59] Mike: Can you show us how to do that?
[00:02:00] Tess: Yes, I can.
[00:02:12] Mike: Great. And what about my favorite, the one with one man and two women? How does that one work?
[00:02:18] Tess: Like this.
[00:02:19] Mike: Is that designed to resemble a bed?
[00:02:20] Tess: Yes.
[00:02:22] Heather: Cool.
[00:02:24] Mike: In that layout, the man is positioned atop the two women, correct?
[00:02:27] Tess: Yes, you got it right, Mike.
[00:02:28] Heather: [laughs]
[00:02:33] Mike: Alright. I’m sure more exist, but those are the primary methods, right?
[00:02:38] Tess: Yes, those are the main methods that most places accept.
[00:02:41] Mike: Yes, I noticed at Caesar's, there’s even a list available on the table outlining the permissible cuts. properties [00:02:54] Angela: I have multiple questions about Pai Gow for you. Can we start?
[00:02:48] Tess: Wow.
[00:02:52] Mike: Angela, I hear you have a Pai Gow question for me.
[00:02:59] Angela: Why is there no number four position at the table?
[00:02:58] Mike: Yes, you may.
[00:03:02] Mike: That’s a great question. Additionally, there’s also the absence of a number four slot in the game.
The explanation ties back to the Chinese language, where the pronunciation of the number four, Sǐ, closely resembles the word for death, leading to the number four being deemed very unlucky . Therefore, players tend to avoid sitting at that specific spot. Baccarat , Pai Gow Poker, and other Asian games.
[00:03:28] Angela: That’s indeed a strong reasoning for its absence. [chuckles]
[00:03:30] Mike: Absolutely, it’s a very valid point. Conversely, the number eight is considered fortunate as it resonates closely with the term for wealth.
[00:03:44] Mike: Angela, you mentioned you had another question regarding Pai Gow.
[00:03:41] Angela: Works for me.
, what does that entail? Does each casino maintain a unique house rule, or is there a singular house way?
[00:03:47] Angela: I did. I've heard about house way in Pai Gow Dealers adhere to a specific strategy, which can be quite intricate and detailed, on how to arrange their cards or tiles.
[00:03:56] Mike: Yes. In Pai Gow, as well as Pai Gow Poker While the foundational rules are consistent across all casinos, there are several borderline plays that can vary from one casino to another, meaning each will enforce its unique house way that dealers must be adept at remembering.
In most situations…
[00:04:24] Angela: Got it. That makes perfect sense; it would be expected for each casino to have some level of discretion.
[00:04:29] Mike: Exactly. On my website, I have listed about ten different house rules for Pai Gow.
[00:04:38] Angela: Great, I’ve committed them all to memory.
[00:04:44] Angela: I want to ask about etiquette.
[laughter]
[00:04:40] Mike: Thanks, Angela.
[00:04:47] Angela: If I’m correct, the house edge is reduced when I choose to be the banker -
[00:04:46] Mike: Okay.
[00:04:54] Angela: - but I’ve observed that many other players often disapprove when I opt to take on the banker role. How would you navigate such a scenario?
[00:04:53] Mike: That's right.
[00:05:00] Mike: Yes, this is a prevalent issue in Pai Gow. You’re spot on; the house edge is considerably lower if you are banking, yet many players, particularly those from Asian backgrounds, generally prefer it when others don’t take on the banker role.
Especially if the table’s been on a winning streak. Should you inquire to take the bank, players might bluntly remark, “The table has been favorable, don’t risk it by banking.” Alternatively, they may hint less directly by saying, \"Things have been going smoothly.\"
Especially:
Despite my strong advocacy on my website for optimizing every fraction of a percentage point to lessen the house advantage, I also maintain that gambling should fundamentally be enjoyable and entertaining, so I wouldn’t want to spoil the experience for others.

What do I do?
Therefore, I may express my desire to bank, but if I detect any reluctance from the other players, I would refrain. I prioritize their enjoyment.
[00:06:15] Angela: I appreciate that viewpoint. It’s considerate to think about the other players, especially when it concerns what might be a minor difference. etiquette above math.
[00:06:21] Mike: I’m glad you see it that way. Thanks for your question, Angela.
[00:06:26] Mike: Do you have any more inquiries about Pai Gow?
[00:06:23] Angela: Of course.
[00:06:28] Angela: Are there any additional bets apart from the main game in Pai Gow?
[00:06:30] Mike: Side bets aren’t something you often encounter in Pai Gow. They seem to have infiltrated almost every other casino game, yet I’ve only seen a side bet offered in Pai Gow once, at the Palace Station.
I’ve documented all the mathematics related to that on my website, and I’ve heard of another bet known as the Crown Treasure available at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia.
I think it's called the Pair Fortunes The math for that is also available on my website. From my experiences at Palace Station, players rarely place side bets there. I believe that participating in Pai Gow requires a level of intelligence, and perhaps these players simply understand the odds enough to avoid side bets.
Again
[00:07:12] Angela: [chuckles] We are all aware of your views on side bets.
[00:07:17] Mike: You’re absolutely correct. I’ve taught you well, my pupil.
[00:07:14] Mike: Yes. What do I think of them?
[00:07:16] Angela: Sucker bets, don't play them.
However, I’ve observed a noticeable decline in the availability of Pai Gow tables around Las Vegas.
[00:07:24] Angela: Mike, I'm wondering where I can go to play Pai Gow [00:07:30] Mike: Yes, you’re right. The number of Pai Gow tables here in Las Vegas is dwindling. Mandalay Bay has removed it, as has Treasure Island. Nevertheless, it can still be found scattered throughout the Strip.
You can find it at places like MGM, Paris, Harrah's, Venetian, and possibly The Palazzo. The Wynn and Encore might offer it, as well as Caesars Palace and Golden Dragon. It appears to be easier to locate on the East Coast. Foxwoods has it,
Going just off memory
I believe every Atlantic City casino operates it, and I understand that some casinos in Chicago do as well, like Harrah’s in Lake Tahoe. Surprisingly, there’s a good number of tables at Silver Legacy in Reno and Peppermill has one, but interestingly, it’s just not as popular there. It seems to function more as a private game, not in the same setup as when playing against a dealer. ton of tables .
[00:08:42] Angela: Many things we consider typically Asian cuisine don’t translate well in Asia, such as wontons and egg rolls, so it seems logical that the game follows suit. really difficult to find in Macau .
[00:08:50] Mike: Absolutely. The Chinese dishes I'm accustomed to here are rarely seen over there.
[00:08:55] Mike: Correct. You certainly know; you lived there, after all.
[00:08:59] Mike: Alright. Thank you for your question, Angela.
[00:08:54] Angela: No. [laughs]
[00:09:01] Angela: Of course. Mike, you constantly discuss Pai Gow. What draws you to it so much?
Pai Gow Tiles - Part 3 of 3 - Q & A
We already covered:
[00:09:08] Mike: That’s a thought-provoking question. I have to say if the house edge were equal across all games, Pai Gow would likely top my list as the game I enjoy the most. It’s a game filled with challenges , requiring a great deal of skill and strategy.
I find great elegance in playing it; I love the feel of the tiles and the way they make that delightful sound when they hit each other. I also appreciate enjoying something unique. While everyone else plays the mainstream games, I prefer engaging in an activity that stands apart.
[00:09:47] Angela: [chuckles] Or riding a unicycle. pai gow There are several ways they can go
The
[00:09:48] Mike: Exactly. I think there’s significant value in standing out and not merely following the crowd. house way [00:01:42] Mike: I've seen this one. [00:01:53] Heather: Okay. [00:09:56] Mike: Thank you, Angela. It looks like you have yet another question about Pai Gow.
Pai Gow Tiles - everything you need to know about the game - Questions and Answers
Find the finest online casinos available in your region
[00:01:59] Tess: Yes.
Calculator for assessing lottery jackpot ticket sales
Participate in exciting slot tournaments with enormous prize pools
Pai Gow Tiles - Episode 1 of 3 - Game Regulations
Pai Gow Tiles - Episode 2 of 3 - Strategic Approaches in Pai Gow
[00:01:59] Mike: Can you show us how to do that?
[00:02:00] Tess: Yes, I can.
Hello, I am Mike Shackleford, often referred to as the Wizard of Odds, and this is the third segment of my series on Pai Gow. Joining me are my good friend Heather Ferris and our videographer, along with my absolute favorite dealer in Pai Gow, Tess.
In the first two segments, we discussed the key elements related to the rules and strategies; now, we will cover some additional, fun aspects that you might be curious about regarding the game.
[00:02:18] Tess: Like this.
Heather, do you have any inquiries for me?
[00:00:40] Heather Ferris: Thank you for clarifying that, I appreciate it greatly. I have a question for Tess, no hard feelings.
[00:02:20] Tess: Yes.
Tess, during the second video when you were demonstrating, you asked me to cut the deck. I'm curious, what are the various methods of cutting the deck , and do they all have specific names?
[00:02:22] Heather: Cool.
[00:00:59] Tess Dunn: Alright, Heather. Typically, when a player is permitted to cut the deck, they can perform a maximum of three cuts.
There’s the reverse house method, then there are some other techniques like long tail, which is symbolized by a dragon head and phoenix tail, in addition to a couple of ghost tricks that gently tap on closed doors.
[00:01:43] Heather: That feels like my favorite technique.
[00:02:28] Heather: [laughs]
properties
[00:01:45] Tess: Absolutely! It's a lot of fun. There might be more, but generally, most places will allow around five methods.
[00:02:48] Tess: Wow.
[00:02:52] Mike: Angela, I hear you have a
Pai Gow question
for me.
[00:01:53] Mike: One common technique I observe is the Hong Kong bank , which some folks refer to as the Shanghai bank .
![<strong>[00:02:58] Mike: </strong> Yes, you may.](https://internetradiomercedes.com/wizfiles/img/295/whats_going_on_mike.png)
Baccarat
[00:02:12] Mike: Great! And what about the one called one man, two women? How does that one work?
[00:02:19] Mike: Does that design resemble a bed?
, Pai Gow Poker, and other Asian games.
[00:03:41] Angela: Works for me. [00:03:47] Angela: I did. I've heard about [00:02:24] Mike: This would be visualized as a man over two women, correct?
[00:02:27] Tess: Yes, that interpretation is spot on, Mike.
[00:02:33] Mike: Right. There must be more, but these are the major ones, aren't they?
house way in Pai Gow
[00:02:38] Tess: Those are indeed the primary methods that most establishments permit, yes.
[00:02:41] Mike: I noticed that at Caesar's, they even provide a list on the table outlining which cuts are allowed.
[00:02:54] Angela: I have several questions about Pai Gow to ask you. Can I dive in?
[00:02:59] Angela: Why isn't there a number four position at the table?
[00:03:02] Mike: That's an insightful question! Additionally, there’s also no number 4 position in
The reason behind this is that, in the Chinese language, the word for four, Sì, sounds almost identical to the word for death . As a result, in Chinese culture, the number four is viewed as very unlucky , which is precisely why no one is comfortable occupying that spot.
[00:03:28] Angela: That certainly gives a strong reason for its absence. [chuckles]
[00:03:56] Mike: Yes. In Pai Gow, as well as
[00:03:30] Mike: Absolutely! On a brighter note, the number eight is regarded as a fortunate number since it closely resembles the term for wealth.
[00:03:44] Mike: Angela, you mentioned you had another question related to Pai Gow.
, what does that imply? Does each casino have its own unique variations, or is there a single house way?
Pai Gow Poker
, the dealer utilizes a specific strategy, which can be intricate and lengthy, regarding how to arrange their cards or tiles.
While the core rules remain consistent across casinos, certain borderline plays may vary, so each establishment will have its own distinct house way that dealers need to memorize.
[00:04:24] Angela: That makes complete sense, since every casino would want a degree of independence.
[00:04:29] Mike: Exactly. On my website, I’ve compiled a list featuring around 10 different casino house ways for Pai Gow.
[00:04:38] Angela: Great! I’ve committed them all to memory.
[00:04:44] Angela: I have a question regarding etiquette.

In most situations…
[00:04:47] Angela: If I understand correctly, being the banker reduces the house edge; however, I've noticed many players seem unhappy when I take on the role of the banker. How should I approach that scenario? [laughter] [00:05:00] Mike: That's a frequent concern in Pai Gow. You're spot on; the house edge is indeed lower when you take on the banking role. Yet, many players, especially those with Asian backgrounds, prefer that others don't take the banker position.
If the table has been winning consistently, they may explicitly state, 'Things have been going well, don’t disrupt it by banking.' Even if they don't express it as bluntly, you might hear comments like 'Things have been good so far.'
[00:04:40] Mike: Thanks, Angela.
While I encourage maximizing every fraction of a percentage point you can reduce from the house edge on my website, I also believe that gambling should primarily be a source of enjoyment , not to hamper others' fun.
So, I might express my wish to bank, but if I feel resistance from other players, I'll choose not to take that role. I prioritize the group's experience.
[00:04:46] Mike: Okay.
[00:06:15] Angela: I appreciate that mindset. It’s considerate of the other players, particularly since the difference may be minimal.
[00:06:21] Mike: I'm thankful you see it that way. Thanks for your insightful question, Angela.
[00:06:26] Mike: Do you have any further questions about Pai Gow?
[00:06:28] Angela: Are there side bets available in Pai Gow?
[00:06:30] Mike: Side bets are generally not prevalent in Pai Gow. While they are becoming common across many other casino games, I’ve only encountered a side bet in Pai Gow once at the Palace Station.
[00:04:53] Mike: That's right.
I have detailed the mathematics for it on my website. I also came across another variant called the Crown Treasure at the Crown Casino in Melbourne, Australia.
I compiled the numbers for that as well on my site. When I played at the Palace Station, I noticed that players rarely engaged in that bet. I think to play Pai Gow, it requires a certain level of intelligence, leading some people to wisely avoid placing side bets.
[00:07:12] Angela: [chuckles] We’re all aware of your opinion on side bets.
[00:07:17] Mike: You’re absolutely right! I’ve certainly passed on my knowledge, haven't I?
, as there appears to be fewer and fewer tables available in Las Vegas.
Especially:
[00:07:30] Mike: That's correct. The number of Pai Gow tables continues to decline here in Las Vegas. Venues like Mandalay Bay and Treasure Island no longer offer it. Nonetheless, you can still find it at various places along the Strip.
It’s available at locations such as MGM, Paris, Harrah's, Venetian, possibly the Palazzo, Wynn, and Encore, as well as Caesar's Palace and Golden Dragon. It's more prevalent on the East Coast; for instance, Foxwoods has it.
I believe all casinos in Atlantic City offer it, and it's even available in some casinos in Chicago, including Harrah's in Lake Tahoe. Interestingly, you can find quite a few tables at Silver Legacy in Reno, and Peppermill has one, though it surprisingly doesn’t gain much popularity.
That seems to be more of a private game there, rather than the dealer-player matchup we're used to.
[00:08:42] Angela: Many things we consider typically Asian don't resonate well over in Asia, like wontons and egg rolls, so it makes sense that the game follows a similar trend.
[00:08:50] Mike: Indeed! The Chinese dishes I'm accustomed to here, I’ve rarely come across over there.
[00:08:55] Mike: For sure. You would know, having lived there previously.

What do I do?
[00:08:59] Mike: Thank you for your question, Angela.
[00:09:01] Angela: Naturally! Mike, you're always discussing Pai Gow. What makes you so fond of it?
[00:09:08] Mike: That's a valid question. I must admit, if the house edge was identical across all games, Pai Gow would be my preferred choice. It’s a game filled with challenge , and it requires keen thought.
I find it visually appealing to play; the touch of the tiles and the sound of them clacking together is something I enjoy. I simply appreciate being unique. While everyone is participating in the popular games, I like to engage in something that's a little off the beaten path.
etiquette
[00:09:47] Angela: [chuckles] Like riding a unicycle.
[00:09:48] Mike: Exactly! There’s definitely value in standing out, in resisting the urge to conform.
[00:09:56] Mike: Thank you, Angela. Looks like you’ve got more questions about Pai Gow.
Pai Gow Tiles - an overview of the gameplay - Questions & Answers
above math.
Find the top online casinos available in your region
[00:06:23] Angela: Of course.
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I think it's called the
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Pair Fortunes
Pai Gow Tiles - The First of Three Parts - Game Regulations
Again
Pai Gow Tiles - The Second of Three Parts - Strategic Approaches
Hello, my name is Mike Shackleford, often referred to as the Wizard of Odds, and this is the third installment of my Pai Gow series. Joining me are my friend Heather Ferris, who is our videographer, and Tess, my favorite Pai Gow dealer in the world.
In the previous sections, we covered essential rules and strategies, and now we will delve into some entertaining and miscellaneous topics you might be curious about concerning the game.
Heather, do you have any inquiries for me?
[00:07:14] Mike: Yes. What do I think of them?
[00:00:40] Heather Ferris: Thank you so much for that explanation; I truly appreciate it. I have a question directed at Tess, and I hope it doesn’t come off the wrong way.
[00:07:16] Angela: Sucker bets, don't play them.
Tess, in the second video, when you asked me to cut the deck, I was curious about the various methods for cutting the deck and the terminology associated with them.
[00:00:59] Tess Dunn: Sure, Heather. Generally, when players are permitted to cut the deck, they can perform three specific moves, and it’s important to stick to these three.
[00:07:24] Angela: Mike, I'm wondering
Next, there’s the reverse house method, along with [unintelligible 00:01:13] , [unintelligible 00:01:16] , [unintelligible 00:01:20] , [unintelligible 00:01:23] , and a long-tail style, which features a dragon head and a phoenix tail, plus another known as two ghosts knocking on a closed door.
[00:01:43] Heather: That one seems to be my favorite.
[00:01:45] Tess: Right? It’s quite enjoyable. There might be additional methods, but most places limit it to around five.
where I can go to play Pai Gow
[00:01:53] Mike: One frequently observed method is the Hong Kong bank , which is sometimes referred to as the Shanghai bank.
[00:02:12] Mike: That’s interesting. Now, what about the method called one man, two women? How does that one work?

ton of tables
[00:02:19] Mike: Is it supposed to resemble a bed?
[00:02:24] Mike: This would signify the man on top of the two women, correct?
[00:02:27] Tess: Yes, that’s right, Mike.
[00:02:33] Mike: I’m sure there are other methods, but those are the key ones, right?
[00:02:38] Tess: Yes, those are the main ones typically permitted at most casinos.