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Fortune Pai Gow Poker: How to Play & Where to Bet

Have you tried your hand at Fortune Pai Gow Poker? This special variation of Pai Gow adds a unique side bet for players to wager on.

This free guide will teach you how to play Fortune Pai Gow. I will break down the core rules and explain this exciting side bet available at top online poker sites.

What Is Fortune Pai Gow Poker?

First and foremost, how do you play Fortune Pai Gow Poker? If you have played traditional Pai Gow, then you are in luck. Many of the rules from the original game remain the same for this variation.

As with the classic Pai Gow game, Fortune Pai Gow is played with a 53-card deck. In addition to the regular 52 cards in a standard deck of cards, this game also uses one joker card.

How is Fortune Pai Gow Different From Classic Pai Gow?

If you’re familiar with traditional Pai Gow Poker, you might be wondering how Fortune Pai Gow actually differs. While the core gameplay remains the same — setting a high hand and a low hand to beat the dealer — the Fortune variation adds a few twists that can significantly impact strategy and payouts.

To help you get a clear picture, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of Classic Pai Gow and Fortune Pai Gow. This table highlights the major rule differences, betting options, and payout structures so you can decide which version fits your style of play.

Feature	Classic Pai Gow	Fortune Pai Gow
Deck Composition	53 cards (including a joker)	53 cards (including a joker)
Primary Goal	Beat the dealer with both hands	Beat the dealer with both hands
Side Bets Available	None	Available
Envy Bonus	Not available	Optional payout
Joker Usage	Used as ace or to complete flush/straight	Used as ace or to complete flush/straight
Winning Payouts	Based on standard even money	Payouts vary depending on side bet structure
House Edge	Lower without side bets	Higher due to side bets, but higher potential reward
Strategy Complexity	Moderate	Slightly more complex due to optional bets

How to Beat the Dealer

The goal in Pai Gow is to beat the dealer. However, to win, you must beat the dealer twice in each round. Your two-card and five-card poker hands must both beat their counterparts on the dealer’s side in order to win.

At some casinos, the joker is a true wild card. However, at most Pai Gow tables, the joker can only be used to complete a flush or a straight. Otherwise, it is strictly used as an ace.

Also, an important rule to consider in Pai Gow and its many variations is that your five-card hand must outrank our two-card hand. Otherwise, you will be penalized, including being forced to forfeit the hand.

The basic rules for Pai Gow are also used in Fortune Pai Gow. 

Understanding the Side Bets

So, what sets Fortune Pai Gow apart from the original and other variations?

There are two unique rules in Fortune Pai Gow. The first is the “Fortune” side bet. Also, there is the “Envy Bonus” that rewards lucky players in this poker game.

What is the “Fortune” Side Bet?

The titular side bet in this version of Pai Gow is the Fortune side bet. To win this wager, you must be able to make three-of-a-kind or better out of your seven-card hand.

One of the best parts of this side bet is that you get to use all seven starting cards to qualify for a win. Also, you can win this side bet even if you lose your ante wager or set your hands incorrectly.

Your payout for the Fortune side bet depends on the value of your winning hand. It will also vary based on the pay table the casino is using.

The lowest paying hand is a three-of-a-kind, which is usually a push. The best and highest paying hand for this side bet is a natural seven-card straight flush. You cannot use a joker in your seven-card straight flush to qualify for a “natural” payout.

How do You Win the Envy Bonus?

The Fortune side bet payout is not the only way to win thrilling prizes in Fortune Pai Gow. There is the Envy Bonus for qualifying hands.

In order to win this exclusive bonus, you must first make the Fortune side bet. Many casinos require this bet to reach a specified minimum stake amount to qualify for the Envy Bonus.

Then, you need another player at the table to beat your Fortune hand with a “premium” poker hand. A premium hand is a four-of-a-kind or better.

The payout for the Envy Bonus can vary from one casino to another. However, the payouts themselves are usually set amounts. The better your opponent’s hand is that qualifies you for the bonus, the bigger your payout is.

Best Strategy Tips for Pai Gow

The Fortune wager can be one of the best Pai Gow side bets when used correctly. Here are three strategy tips to help you get the most out of this exciting side wager.

Know the Minimum Stake Amounts

The Fortune bonus is a great side bet on its own. However, to truly maximize your winning potential in this wager, you must take advantage of the Envy Bonus.

I bring this up because the minimum bet for the Fortune side bet is usually not the same as the amount you must bet to qualify for the Envy Bonus. So, part of your planning as a player must include determining the amount you need to wager to be eligible for the Envy Bonus.

You should always wager at least the minimum to qualify for the Envy Bonus. Otherwise, you could be leaving money on the table. Also, you want to avoid betting much more than the minimum, as the payout for the Envy Bonus is not tied to your stake amount.

Play With Other People

Speaking of the Envy Bonus, this unique bonus win that works with the Fortune side bet is why Fortune Pai Gow is best played with other people.

You cannot win the Envy Bonus without another player at the table having a great poker hand. Also, the more people you play with, the better your chances of another player having a premium poker hand.

Playing with other people is easy to do thanks to live dealer casinos. You can quickly find a Fortune Pai Gow table with other players waiting to set you up to win the Envy Bonus.

Always Bet on the Fortune Wager

Last but not least, if you are playing Fortune Pai Gow, you must remember to make the Fortune wager every hand. This tip sounds obvious, but it requires careful planning on the part of the player.

As mentioned above, your Fortune stake should be big enough to qualify for the Envy Bonus. This often means betting more than the minimum for the initial side bet itself.

To prepare for this, you must ensure your bankroll is big enough to account for the increased cost. On the bright side, many sites offer casino bonuses that can help you increase your bankroll and help you bet more.

Wrap-Up: Ready to Play Fortune Pai Gow?

Fortune Pai Gow Poker adds not one, but two high-paying elements to the popular card game. Read the guide above to learn everything you need to know to succeed when playing this style of poker.

Then, sign up at one of our top-rated casinos to try Fortune Pai Gow for yourself. You can put your skills to the test against players from around the world and claim thrilling casino bonuses to help fund your bankroll.