Pai gow poker is based on Pai Gow, the Chinese domino game, and is played with 53 cards i.e. including the joker.  The joker is counted as an ace unless it is being used to complete a straight, flush or straight flush only.

Once all players have placed their bet, they receive seven cards.  As in the rules for Pai Gow the roll of a dice decides who receives the first hand of cards and each player, in turn, can act as banker.  As in Pai Gow if you are the banker you must have played a hand against the house already and be either able to cover all bets on the table or be prepared to co-bank with the house essentially setting your hand in accordance with the house rules.

The seven cards are split into a five-card hand, (arranged as per poker) and a two-card hand, (arranged as a pair if possible).  Note the two-card hand can not be higher than the five-card hand as this would be deemed a foul and both your hands would automatically loose.  After all players have arranged their hands, the banker will arrange his, (in accordance with the house rules) then your hands (5 cards and 2 cards respectively) are compared with the bankers.   If  both your hands win you get even money less commission (usually 5%),  One win one loss and your bet is deemed a push, if both hands loose you loose your bet.  However if you are the banker 5% commission is charged on the net win.  (Note -  should one of the playing positions be empty the dealer may deal to the vacant position and you can elect to play this spare hands also, this is known as playing the dragon hand  - it is usual for the dragon hand to be set according to the house rules).