The Joker is not like any other card. In most cases, the card’s depiction of a clown became the focus of a widespread cultural phenomena. However, the card’s role in games is all that will be discussed here. The joker has two primary functions in poker games: as a Wild Card to increase the player’s chances of winning, and as a slang term for a Pair of Jacks in Texas Hold ’em.
The usage of the Joker as a Wild Card is more common in casual games of poker than in high-stakes tournaments or casinos. The inclusion of the Joker raises the stakes and the level of excitement. If you’re playing poker, you’ll notice that there are two “jokers” in the deck. Joker cards have no suit or number, and instead feature merely the Joker in a variety of disguises. The Joker functions as a Wild Card that may be substituted for any other card to complete winning combinations. Keep in mind that Wild Cards may have a huge impact on the game and shift the outcome substantially, since no one knows when they’ll acquire their Joker. In certain variants of internet poker, Joker functions as a Wild Card. Always double-check the regulations before getting started.
In Texas Hold’em, “Joker” simply refers to two “Jacks.” No such card exists in the pack. If you hear someone at the professional tournament or the casino referring to the Joker, they may really be referring to a pair of Jacks.