Pai Gow poker is an American invention using the ancient Chinese game of Pai Gow coupled with American Poker. The game is played with a regular 52 card deck which includes a joker. The Joker can be used only as an Ace, or to fill out a Flush, Straight or a Straight Flush.
The table can accommodate six players. Each player is dealt seven cards which he arranges into two hands, a five card hand and a two card hand, traditional poker rankings are used. The highest two card hand would be a pair of aces and the highest five card hand would be five aces (remember the joker) or a Royal Flush.

Of the two hands, five card and two card, the five card hand must rank higher than the two card hand. If for example the two card hand has a pair of sevens, the five card hand must contain at least a pair of sevens or higher.

The object of the game is that both players hands rank higher than both of the bankers hands, the banker being the house or another player. If one hand ranks the same as the bankers hand a tie results and the banker wins all ties. If the player wins one hand and loses the other it is considered a "Push" and no money changes hands.

There may be slight variations due to house rules but essentially the above rules apply.