Some Basic Tips
On the outset, it may seem to a beginner that pai gow is merely like a game of dominoes. Or maybe once one begins to grasp the basic rules, you would think of poker or similar card games. In reality, though, pai gow is a unique game on its own. Here are some tips to get you started.
Once you get your tiles, the first thing that you should look for is a pair. In pai gow, pairs have the highest ranking. It should be no problem spotting them as you should just look for tiles with the same markings. If you do not have pairs among your 4 tiles, the next thing that you should look for is a Teen or a Day tile with a 7, an 8, or a 9. One winning possibility with these tiles would be one Teen or Day tile with a 7 – this would form a High 9. An 8 with a Teen or a Day would form a Gong. A Teen or Day tile with a 9 would form a Wong.
Of course, not all hands that you get will yield a pair of any of the combinations above. When this happens, just bear in mind that the dots on the tiles represent the numerical value of the tile. In pai gow, when the dots are more than 10, the numerical value is the number when the 1 is dropped. With no High 9s, Wongs, Gongs, or Pairs, the number which is closest to 9 wins.