In a thrilling twist of fate, Richard P., a savvy poker enthusiast, turned an ordinary day into an extraordinary one at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort.
Armed with just his poker chips and an optimistic spirit, Richard pulled off a stunning feat at the Face Up Pai Gow Poker table, winning nearly $250,000.
A typical outing to this popular Northern California casino, which is about a 30-mile drive northeast of Sacramento, took an incredible turn when Richard landed one of the rarest hands in the game: a seven-card straight flush.
The moment was celebrated by the casino's social media post. Richard has quickly become the talk of the town because he walked away with a jaw-dropping $243,426 jackpot.
Richard hit it big time on Face Up Pai Gow with a $243,426 win! 🎉🎰💰 pic.twitter.com/nbJoEYiyYO
— Thunder Valley Casino Resort (@Thunder_Valley) February 5, 2025
The description on the post read: “Richard hit it big time on Face Up Pai Gow with a $243,426 win!” They threw in the party hat, slot machine and money bag emojis for good measure. The picture shows him sitting at his winning table, holding a giant check.
A straight flush happens when cards are in sequential order and the same suit. Richard’s winning cards were a 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and an ace in spades. His win is reminiscent of the half-million dollar win a Pai Gow player landed in Vegas last month. And rivals another 7-card straight flush that happened in December.
Face Up Pai Gow Poker: What It Is and How To Win Big
Face Up Pai Gow Poker, a popular variation of the game, offers players an intriguing mix of strategy and luck. In this version, all players' cards, including the dealer’s, are dealt face-up, allowing players to tailor their strategies based on visible information. The game is played with a standard 52-card deck plus one joker.
Crafting two poker hands from seven dealt cards — a five-card "high" hand and a two-card "low" hand — is the challenge. The objective? Both hands must rank higher than the dealer’s respective hands. Richard’s spectacular win was not just a matter of luck but a result of constructing a rare seven-card straight flush, a combination most players only dream of achieving.
The Best Hands in Face Up Pai Gow Poker
While any poker player knows the thrill of a royal flush, several hands hold top honors in Face Up Pai Gow Poker.
The coveted seven-card straight flush, which Richard impressively secured, is a hand so rare and powerful that it makes victory almost guaranteed. This hand surges ahead with its unbeatable sequence, while other top hands include the royal flush —a series of five consecutive cards from 10 to Ace of the same suit— and the straight flush, another sequence of five suited cards but not as high as the royal flush.
The odds of landing such high-ranking hands are slim, making Richard's accomplishment all the more remarkable. Like every poker game, understanding the best hands and playing them wisely are keys to success.
Play For a Pai Gow Poker Jackpot Online
As Richard P. basks in the glory of his monumental win and newfound wealth, he serves as an inspiration to poker players everywhere. His story is a testament to the thrill of the game and the undeniable allure of the big win.
You can enjoy Pai Gow Poker online at many of the best online casinos you can find. Whether you're looking to play for fun or wager real money, it's important to select a trustworthy platform. Here's a guide to the best places for playing Pai Gow Poker online.
So, whether you're a seasoned card player or a curious newcomer, perhaps it's time to try your hand at Face Up Pai Gow Poker. Who knows? Lady Luck might find you next, just as she did for Richard P.
