A Joker in cards is a card found in most modern card decks, often used as a wild card.
The Role of the Joker
-
Wild Card: Most commonly, a Joker acts as a wild card. This means it can be used to represent any other card in the deck that a player needs to complete a hand. The phrase "Joker's wild" comes from this usage.
-
Varied Usage: The specific rules regarding how a Joker can be used vary widely depending on the game being played. Some games may allow Jokers to represent any card, while others might restrict their use to specific cards or situations.
-
Zwicker Exception: In the card game Zwicker, Jokers have a specialized function. They are not wild cards. Instead, they are higher-value matching and scoring cards. Furthermore, in some variants of Zwicker, a normal suit card is designated as the only wild card.
Appearance
Jokers typically feature a picture of a jester or clown, often in full color. Many decks include two Jokers, which may or may not be identical. If they are different, one may be more colorful than the other, indicating which Joker should be used in situations where a distinction is necessary.
Examples of Joker Usage
- In poker, depending on the rules, a Joker might be used to complete a straight, flush, or full house.
- In some rummy variations, a Joker can stand in for any missing card to form a meld.
- In certain trick-taking games, Jokers may have special powers or point values.
In summary, the Joker's primary role is usually that of a versatile, game-altering card. However, its exact function depends heavily on the specific rules of the game being played.
