Pai Gow Poker Rules?

I'm wanting to try out Pai Gow Poker next time I'm in Vegas.

Since my son and I will be playing together, I'm wondering if it is allowable to show/discuss your cards with your companion (i.e. help each other set the hands)? Or do your cards have to remain 100% private all the time?

Thanks!

Generally, you're not supposed to discuss the cards.

However, if your son waits for everyone, including you, to set their hands first, he can then turn the cards face up to ask for help. The dealer will set it according to "house way." You may offer your own advice if you like.

Bear in mind that if a single player is playing two spots, the casino will insist that the player set the hand with the bigger bet first. So if your son is betting more than you, they may not allow you to help at all.

I think normal policy is to not discuss hands. I have never seen this enforced though. If you have a question on the hand, I would suggest asking the dealer the house way. Asking the dealer is 100% acceptable. I've never been told to stop if I ask other every now and then on a close hand. I'm assuming you may get an odd look from the pit boss if you two are asking each other on every single hand.

It is possible I've just gotten lucky, but the no talking seems to be a rule that is written down, but rarely enforced.

If one of us wanted to ask the dealer for help, are we supposed to wait until everyone else at the table has set their hands?

I'm mainly trying to not look like too much of a newbie at the table (and also avoid rebukes from the dealer)!

Edit: Sorry DJ, I see where you already answered this in your post. Thanks!

Quote: DJTeddyBear

...he can then turn the cards face up to ask for help. The dealer will set it according to "house way." You may offer your own advice if you like.

By the way, when the dealer does this, it is only as a suggestion. The player can change the setting and must actually turn the cards face down as 5 card and 2 card hands.


Elsewhere, it's been discussed that if a player knows the cards of the 5 other players (i.e. all 35 other cards), he still doesn't get enough information to turn it into an advantage game. And the info gained from knowing only one other hand will affect setting the second hand so rarely, that it's hardly worth the bother.

But, casinos being paranoid as they are, etc....

They may not strictly enforce the no talking rule, but they'll remind you. Of course, you're playing at the low limits. Play at high limits, and they'll come down harder.

In my experience, Pai Gow Poker tables have always been sociable and easygoing. Its one of the reasons I really enjoy the game. You can get help from another player as long as they have set their hand first. You can show your hand to the dealer immediately and ask them what the house way is.

They only thing that I regularly see players getting reprimanded for is touching another player's cards. Say you show me your hand and ask me what to do. I try to pull a couple of cards from your hand to form your front hand, or rearrange your cards to show you a straight. The dealer will slap my hand. I can point, or tell you whatever I want, but I can't touch your cards.

I've never seen a dealer or pit boss seem to be concerned in any way about sharing information between players.

you could spread the cards on the table and set them like the dealer does if you wanted to im pretty sure. ive never seen any rules about this enforced that i can think of.

Quote: PapaChubby

In my experience, Pai Gow Poker tables have always been sociable and easygoing.

I agree. Pai gow poker has the friendliest atmosphere of any table
game I've played. It's not too fast like blackjack so there's plently of
time to get to know the other players.

When I was playing at the aria none of the staff seemed to care if
a player casually asked if anyone had the joker before deciding to
buy the dragon (a sort of side bet where you can buy an additional
hand that wasn't played if the table was not full).

Quote: blount2000

I'm mainly trying to not look like too much of a newbie at the table (and also avoid rebukes from the dealer)!

In that case here are some useful tips:

1) practice at free online sites. Bodog has a good for fun or practice game. So you can set your hands quickly and accurately.
2) Keep in mind the commission you have to pay on each win. If possible know when you'll need to take quarters and when you need to give them.
3) Tip the dealer early.

Players don't mind newbies overall, but they do mind having the game slowed down.

Quote: Nareed

In that case here are some useful tips:

....

3) Tip the dealer early.

Speaking of tipping, how do you tip when playing Pai Gow Poker? Do you make a bet for the dealer like in Craps?

Quote: blount2000

Speaking of tipping, how do you tip when playing Pai Gow Poker? Do you make a bet for the dealer like in Craps?

You can. I prefer a straight tip, but if you're of a different bent you can place a bet. Either a straight bet or a bonus bet, I imagine.