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

Because the game frequently results in a "push" (a tie), the variance is incredibly low, making it difficult to lose money quickly.

The Basics: Building Two Separate Hands

The game uses a standard 52-card deck, plus one single joker, which acts as a versatile wild card under specific conditions.

If you place a pair of Aces in your two-card hand, but only have King-high in your five-card hand, you automatically forfeit the round.

• The five-card hand is called the "High" hand, the "Back" hand, or the "Big" hand
• The two-card hand is called the "Low" hand, the "Front" hand, or the "Small" hand
• The joker can only be used to complete a straight, a flush, or act as an Ace

Understanding the House Way Strategy

This rigidly defined set of rules is universally known across the industry as the "House Way."

If you are confused about how to split your seven cards, you can simply lay them face up and ask the dealer for help.

The Most Relaxing Game in the Casino

The defining characteristic of Pai Gow Poker is its incredibly slow, relaxed, and highly sociable pace of play.

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.

By utilizing the Joker effectively and understanding when to split two pairs, you can enjoy this fascinating game for hours on end.