Pazaak, an ancient game rooted in chance, involved participants drawing cards with the aim of reaching a total as close to 20 as possible, without exceeding it. Players had the ability to influence the outcome of each draw through the strategic use of unique cards from a separate deck. Because their names sound similar, some individuals might have confused pazaak with the card game sabacc. Notably, pazaak was a popular game at the Canto Casino and Racetrack on Cantonica, where players had the option to either assemble a side deck from the casino's dedicated store or utilize their own, subject to staff approval. Pazaak was also a pastime at the Alcazar cantina located on the planet Akiva, as well as within Maz Kanata's castle situated on Takodana.
According to information provided by Caluan Ematt, pazaak matches, with cantina chits as stakes, were a common occurrence between the Shrikes and the Vapetailers, two specialized units serving within the Alliance to Restore the Republic. During the [Iron Blockade]((/article/iron_blockade) in the Anoat sector, the Ivax Syndicate oversaw pazaak games, among other activities. In later years, the New Republic utilized cards from the pazaak deck to represent various individuals within the Galactic Empire who had bounties placed on them. The value of the target was directly proportional to the card's number. Jas Emari, a bounty hunter, received a deck of cards that identified Grand Moff Valco Pandion as a high-priority target sometime after the Battle of Endor.