Emperor’s Challenge Pai Gow

One of the most obvious things that makes Emperor’s Challenge Pai Gow Poker unique from other Pai Gow varieties is the addition of several optional bonus wagers. In this game variety, a hand that does not consist of at least a pair or better is called a Pai Gow. The Ace is always the highest card, while Jokers are always considered to be Aces.

Emperor’s Treasure Prize

The Emperor’s Treasure prize is a special bonus paid out to players that have a seven card hand that corresponds to the Emperor’s Challenge Pai Gow pay table. Some of the triggering events for this payout include:

  • Royal Flush
  • 7-Card Straight Flush (no joker) – considered the best possible hand
  • Royal Flush (A-K suited)
  • Full House
  • Straight

Players can also make an insurance wager, hoping that their seven card hand will consist of a Pai Gow. As another option for insurance wagers, Players are permitted to use the dealer hand to create a winning insurance hand, provided that the dealer’s hand currently has a Pai Gow and the player hand is higher valued than the dealer hand.

Emperor’s Treasure Bonuses

Players may also wager on three different Emperor’s Treasure bonuses during a hand of Emperor’s Challenge Pai Gow Poker. Both the Envy and Share the Wealth bonuses may not be combined with any other bonus wager. Only one of the three bonuses may be used with the Emperor’s Treasure bonus.

  • Color Bonus: This bonus is awarded to a player that has a seven card hand consisting of cards of the same color (such as hearts/diamonds or spades/clubs). A Joker acts as a wild card when this bonus is considered.
  • Envy Bonus: This prize is paid out to a hand that is not the player’s who wagered on the Envy Bonus, but another player at the same table who has a qualifying hand listed on the paytable at the State of Washington Gambling Commission.
  • Share the Wealth: This bonus is given when a hand at a Emperor’s Challenge Pai Gow Poker table (with exception to the dealer hand) qualifies for a payout under the WGC paytable.

Just like with other bonuses, players can also qualify for bonus jackpots or progressive jackpots if their hands qualify under the WGC paytable. Jackpots can also be subject to other bonuses, such as the Share the Wealth, Envy, and Five Ace Frenzy bonuses.