Pai Gow Tiles - Split Format

Are there different conventions among casinos on how players should configure their split tiles? What I mean is making a “T” shape, with one hand perpendicular to the other, versus setting the two hands side-by-side slightly askew. I’m specifically referring to differences between Vegas and East Coast casinos.

on the east coast you have to set the tiles perpendicular.

in vegas you just have to set them in two different piles. usually these are side by side.

but be careful, if you set your tiles side by side on the east coast, that is a signal to "fold" and the dealer might muck your hand and take your bet without opening the tiles.

Quote: sodawater

on the east coast you have to set the tiles perpendicular.

in vegas you just have to set them in two different piles. usually these are side by side.

but be careful, if you set your tiles side by side on the east coast, that is a signal to "fold" and the dealer might muck your hand and take your bet without opening the tiles.

Thanks!! I live on the east coast but have only played pai gow tiles in Las Vegas. Last week I was in Atlantic City and as I passed by a pai gow tiles table I noticed the players seemed to be setting their hands in the “T”. I didn’t think much of it, but when I saw the same thing happening at another casino I started to wonder if this was really the way they play in AC. I was in a rush both times, so I didn’t have a chance to investigate. Interesting that the styles differ from coast to coast. Like everything in pai gow there’s probably some obscure story behind it.

I have seen the same thing. "T" format in Atlantic City and parallel format in Vegas. Personally I prefer the "T" format. One other key difference. In Vegas if you're banking you can touch the tiles to indicate which delivery you want. In Atlantic City you can't touch the tiles. You say the name of the delivery you want and the dealer will take a lammer with the name of the delivery you requested and place it on the table for the cameras to see. I believe all casinos provide a set list of deliveries that are allowed--around 10 or so.