Card Games That Use Jokers

Jokers appear in many card games, typically functioning as wild cards or with special unique mechanics. Their role varies significantly even within the same game name, so always confirm house rules.

Jokers as Wild Cards (Represent Any Card)

• Canasta: Jokers and 2s are wild; essential for forming melds.
• Rummy Variants (Gin Rummy with wilds, Contract Rummy): Jokers substitute for any needed rank/suit.
• Poker (Home Games): "Deuces & Jokers Wild" or "Jokers Wild" variants.
• Crazy Eights / Uno-style games: Joker often acts as a super-wild or "draw 5" penalty card.
• Go Fish (Kids' Variant): Joker can be asked for as any rank.

Jokers with Unique Mechanics

• Euchre (Some Regions): Joker = "Best Bower" (highest trump), outranking the Right Bower (Jack of trump).
• Hearts (Variant): Joker may be a "shoot the moon" card or carry negative points.
• Spades (Variant): Joker as a permanent trump or "null" card (cannot win trick).
• Presidents / Asshole: Jokers often rank above 2s; may allow skipping or clearing the pile.
• Mighty (Korean): Joker is the second-highest card (below the Mighty).

Games Centered on Jokers

• Joker Poker (Video Poker): Joker is fully wild; paytable adjusts for five-of-a-kind hands.
• Joker Solitaire / Joker's Wild Solitaire: Uses Jokers as wild cards to build foundations.

Note: Joker usage varies wildly even within the same game name—always confirm house rules before playing.