There are dozens of varieties of poker that players can choose from in both land-based and online casinos. Two of them are Pai Gow and Chinese Poker, two different games. Although both have their roots in China, they are played differently.
A brief history of Pai Gow Poker
In 1985, Los Angeles-based club owner Sam Torossian created Pai Gow Poker. He did this by combining classic poker with elements of a traditional Chinese game of dominoes called Pai Gow.
The original game of Pai Gow uses 32 domino dice, while Pai Gow poker uses a standard deck of 52 cards plus a joker. Torosian's new game, a tantalizing mix of Eastern and Western game cultures, was an instant hit.
History of Chinese poker
There are several theories about the origins of Chinese poker. For example, some believe that Chinese poker and pai gow started around the same time in China, hundreds of years ago.
Another theory is that the traditional game of Pai Gow dominoes, brought by Chinese immigrants to the United States in the 19th century, was combined with poker games such as Stud and Draw. Allegedly it was from these hybrid games that Chinese poker emerged.
There is little doubt that the World Series of Poker (WSOP) included Chinese poker in 1995 but eliminated it in 1997. Chinese poker itself has spawned several varieties, including open-faced Chinese poker and Badugi. Learn more about poker varieties from this publication: http://www.gratisapan.se/2022/08/04/mest-populara-typer-av-poker/.
Contrast and compare Pai Gow Poker and Chinese poker
Both variations of poker are similar in the sense that they require luck and skill. But they differ in a number of other aspects.
Number of players
Chinese poker has two to four players, while Pai Gow Poker has six players.
Poker hands
A player playing Pai Gow Poker has seven cards from a 53-card deck and a player playing Chinese Poker has a 13-card hand.
Pai Gow players must also collect two hands, one card and two cards. In Chinese Poker, players group their cards into three hands: a three-card hand (the 'front'), a five-card hand (the 'middle') and another five-card hand (the 'back').
Betting
In Pai Gow Poker, players usually place their bets before they receive their cards. The only bet placed at the time of the deal must be within the table's minimum and maximum betting limits.
Chinese poker, on the other hand, does not involve any betting. Instead, the game is played with stakes called units. A unit consists of a pre-determined amount of money, which players agree upon before the game starts.
Level of difficulty
Although it's easy for beginners to learn both games, Chinese poker is probably easier to become proficient at because of its relatively simple game mechanics and combinations. Pai Gow rules, on the other hand, are more detailed and can take a little more effort to master.
These two poker games are available in both land-based and online casinos. Beginners and experienced players can also play Chinese poker and Pai Gow online for free or for real money.
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