Pai Gow Profile: Bill Zender
Bill Zender is a casino gambling expert who specializes in blackjack and Pai Gow. He started out dealing blackjack in the '70s and eventually rose through the ranks to become the Director of Casino Operations at the Aladdin Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.
Bill Zender's Perspective
Because Zender worked as a casino operations director, a gaming control agent and a casino consultant, he is able to present strategies and ideas for blackjack and Pai Gow players from the casino's perspective. This offers players an insight they would not normally get from an expert outsider. Zender also offers insight to casino personnel regarding how to spot cheat in their casinos.
Bill Zender and Pai Gow
Bill Zender's two most famous books on Pai Gow are "Pai Gow Without Tears" and "Pai Gow Poker: Understanding Procedures and Strategies." Published in 1991 and still available through the Internet, "Pai Gow Poker: Understanding Ideas and Strategies" is designed not just for the Pai Gow player, but also for the staff of the casino that runs and deals the Pai Gow game.
The book provides illustrated explanations of how to play and winning strategies. It also explains concepts and variations, such as the dragon hand, the two pairs rule and variations on how commissions are paid.
Winning at Pai Gow
Bill Zender is a self-proclaimed Pai Gow and Pai Gow poker professional -- there are few better people from whom to learn. He particularly likes Pai Gow in California card rooms, where due to state law, everyone plays against one player who serves as "bank," rather than against the house.