Wildcard

A wildcard is a card that can represent any rank or suit chosen by the player. They were historically used in early American home poker games. Jokers are the most common wildcards. 

How it works

• Mostly used in home games such as “Dealer’s Choice.” 

• Changes standard probabilities and hand strengths. 

Relevance for players

• Creates unpredictability and bigger swings. 

• Requires flexible thinking since usual hand rankings become distorted. 

Relevance for operators

Wildcard games are rarely used in regulated online poker because they: 

• Complicate odds 

• Reduce standardization 

• Are harder to explain to new players 

• But they can be used in casual, social, or promotional environments.