Foxwoods Casino Pai Gow Dominoes
Pai Gow -- which literally translated from Chinese means
"Cards-Nine" -- is the forerunner of American dominoes. The 32
dominoes used in Pai Gow are mixed or shuffled by the house dealer. The dominoes
are placed in eight stacks of four each. The dealer and up to six players each
receive one stack (four dominoes).
THE OBJECT
With the four dominoes dealt, you will make two combinations that both total
closest to nine. The object in setting both combinations is to have them both
higher than the two combinations of the hand against which you are playing.
THE DEAL
Pai Gow is a complex rotating bank game. The bank is offered to each player in
turn, counterclockwise. The player has the option of either accepting the bank
or passing it to the next player. The banker begins the game by rolling three
dice, the total of which determines which player receives the first set of
dominoes. (Starting from the bank, the dealer counts counterclockwise.) Each
player receives four dominoes and plays two hands simultaneously, a high hand
and a low hand. Both hands must be higher than the banker's hand to win. If one
hand is higher and the other lower, it is a push. If both of your hands are
lower than the banker's hand, you lose. A complex ranking system determines the
value of each hand. First, is a pair. Second, is a 12 or 2 with a 9. Third, 12
or 2 with an 8, then as close to 9 as possible.
RANKING COMBINATIONS
You will need to memorize or refer to the chart for the first sixteen rankings.
The highest is the "Supreme" combinations, called in Chinese, "Jee
Joon" -- domino three (red 1, white 2) and domino six (white 2, red 4). The
second of sixteen rankings are pairs or "Bo." Pairs do not follow a
number sequence from highest to lowest or vice versa. The pairs are actually
symbols to the Chinese. For example, the second highest ranking is the pair of
twelves called, "Double Heaven." The third ranking is the pair of twos
called, "Double Earth." The fourth ranking is the pair of red eights
or "Double People," etc. (See Chart.)
The thirteenth to sixteenth ranking pairs are not identical dominoes; they
are known as pairs.
After the pair ranking, the best combinations are the "Wong"
(King), which is the twelve (Heaven) and any nine. This ranking is followed by
the dominoes two (Earth) and the nine. Next is the "Gong" (Steel),
which is the twelve (Heaven) and any eight followed by the two (Earth) and any
eight.
When Bo (pairs), Wong, or Gong combinations cannot be made, the next
combinations are ranked from nine to zero. These are the most common rankings
and represent the basis of the game of Pai Gow (Cards-Nine). For example, the
two dominoes 10 and 9 make a 9. The 11 and 4 make a 5. The 11 and 9 make a zero.
When the player and banker have two dominoes totaling the same number, the
combination with the higher "single ranking" wins the hand.
For example: Player One has a higher-ranking hand with the white 10 than
Player Two with the white 11.
WILD DOMINOES
The 3 and 6 dominoes that make the "Supreme" combinations (Jee Joon)
are "wild dominoes." The 3 can be used as a 3 or a 6. The 6 can be
used as a 6 or 3. For example, dominoes 6 and 4 make zero; however, this 6 can
be used as a 3, which makes 7, a better combination.
BASIC RULES FOR ANY TABLE GAME
To "buy-in" or get into a game, simply place your cash or chips
directly on the gaming table. Please remember, dealers are not permitted to
remove anything from a player's hand. Be sure to present your Wampum Card at the
beginning of your play. If you have questions, our friendly staff members will
be happy to assist you.
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