What You Need to Know About Jokers Playing Poker

A 52-card pack contains two jokers: Little Joker and Big Joker, that are sometimes considered wild cards when used correctly. A player can substitute it for a more useful card or risk losing points if they leave it unutilised in their stack. Its wild card status makes it a lethal weapon that can change your hand if you see another card in the face-up pile you prefer. Do you have to use this card? Not if you do not want to, in which case you can discard it. If you choose to use it, it could help you improve your hand.

The Rules

You will be dealt cards as is standard in a poker game and then have the time to place your bets before the person on the dealer’s left kicks off the game. The strategy is to get to 20 before anyone else on the table or to have the most substantial hand.

If you have a joker amongst the cards you were dealt, it would be wise to keep it and then substitute it for another as the game heats up. If you feel you get no value from it, place it in the ‘discard’ pile and play on it. You may want to remember you will lose points if you do not utilize this card, as it adds no value to your final tally.

The Dos and Don’ts of Joker Poker

You want to play when it is your turn and not deliberately slow-roll when you know you have a winning hand. You may want to try and remain as emotionless as possible during the game to throw off your opponents. Most players prefer to keep the chatter minimal to avoid going off track or losing concentration.

Jokers Playing Poker for Fun

You will not find jokers at tournaments or casinos, but they are used at friendly games or online platforms where the rules may be slightly relaxed. The only time the word is used at a poker room in one of this game’s variations, such as Texas Hold’em, would be to mean a pair of Jacks. Still, it doesn’t hurt to know the role jokers play in the game and how they can change your fortunes.