If you wander through the table games section of any major casino, you will eventually discover the slow, methodical game of Pai Gow Poker.

It is universally beloved by older gamblers and those who want to stretch their bankroll for hours while enjoying free casino drinks.
How to Set Your Hands in Pai Gow
The game uses a standard 52-card deck, plus one single joker, which acts as a versatile wild card under specific conditions.

Once everyone has "set" their hands, they are compared directly against the dealer's two corresponding hands to determine the winner.
The casino always wins exact ties (e.g., your Ace-King ties the dealer's Ace-King)The house takes a mandatory 5% commission on all winning bets to maintain their edgeYou can ask the dealer to set your cards according to the "House Way" automatically The Strategy of Setting the "House Way"
However, you do not need to be a math genius; every casino has a strict, printed rulebook detailing exactly how the dealer must set their hand.

The dealer will happily arrange your hand exactly according to the mathematical guidelines of the House Way.
Why High Rollers Love the Slow Pace
Furthermore, because approximately 40% of all hands end in a push, your bankroll barely fluctuates over a long session.

If you want to experience the thrill of a table game without the intense stress of rapid bankroll swings, Pai Gow is the perfect choice.
Game MetricPai Gow PokerBlackjackPace of PlayVery Slow (~30 hands/hour)Fast (~70 hands/hour)Bankroll SwingsVery Low (Frequent Pushes)Medium to High
Pai Gow Poker beautifully combines the intricate hand rankings of traditional poker with a forgiving, highly social casino structure.