Joker Poker (Jokers Wild) – Rules, Pay Table & Strategy Guide

In video poker, a near-win hand remains a loss and falls short of a payout. But what if a single card could turn such a hand into a high-paying hand? This is the big question that has led many to learn how to play Joker Poker.

Joker Poker, sometimes named “Jokers Wild” in many online casinos, cranks up the fun of video poker with a 53rd card in its deck called a Wild Joker. This wild card transforms into whatever card you need to complete a winning hand. However, to take advantage of this edge, you must understand the game.

This casino guide breaks down the gameplay of Joker Poker, highlighting its rules, payouts, and winning strategies. We make video poker fun!

What Is Joker Poker (Joker’s Wild)? The Basics

Joker Poker is a standard five-card draw video poker variant played using a 53-card deck, i.e, the standard 52 cards plus a Joker.

The Joker serves as a wild card and, on average, appears approximately once in every ten hands. If you hold 10-J-Q-K of Hearts plus a Joker, for example, the Joker becomes the Ace of Hearts to give you a Royal Flush.

Joker Poker offers up to 100.64% returns in the full-pay version when played optimally. This RTP is higher than that of any other video poker variant except Deuces Wild.

Steps for Playing Joker Poker

Learning how to play Joker’s Wild is straightforward, but you have to pay attention to its details. Its gameplay rules differ from Jack’s or Better video poker rules.

Master how to play Joker Poker following these five steps:

1. Set Your Wager

Select a coin denomination (1-5 coins) displayed on your screen and place your bet. Choose the max bet (5 coins) if you want full Royal Flush payouts (4000 for 5 coins, 800 for 1 coin).

2. Deal

Press the “Deal” button to receive your initial five cards.

3. Make a Decision

Tap on the cards you wish to hold using a Joker Poker strategy, and let go of non-useful cards

4. Draw

Press “Draw” to discard the cards you did not hold and replace them with new ones to form your final hand.

5. Get Your Payout

You get payouts for winnings according to the pay table.

When To Hold the Joker Card vs. Discard It

You should always hold a Joker if present in your initial hand. It boosts your chance of hitting a strong paying hand, such as Straights, Flushes, and Five-of-a-Kind. However, if the Joker can build a substantial holding, such as 3 to a Straight Flush, 4 to a Flush, etc., discard all weak, unconnected cards.

Hand Ranking: What Beats What in Joker Poker

Jokers Wild card game rules introduce a hand distinction absent in standard poker: natural hands. These hands are stronger than their equivalent wild hands (those with the Joker).

Joker’s Wild RTP & Odds

• Full-pay Joker’s Wild versions offer ~98%–100% RTP, but they are rare.

• Most online versions range between 96%–98% RTP.

• Lower paytables can drop under 94% — avoid these machines.

1. Natural Royal Flush

A Royal Flush without the Joker (A-K-Q-J-10) is the highest-paying hand in Joker Poker.

2. Five of a Kind

Only possible because of the Joker. Example: Q-Q-Q-Q + Joker.

3. Wild Royal Flush

A Royal Flush with the Joker (e.g., A-K-J-10 + Joker) pays less than a Natural Royal.

4. Other Hands (in order of strength):

• Straight Flush
• Four of a Kind
• Full House
• Flush
• Straight
• Three of a Kind
• Two Pair
• Kings or Better (or “Aces or Better,” depending on the machine)

Note: Casinos sometimes adjust which pair qualifies as the minimum payout.

Joker Poker Pay Tables: Full-Pay vs. Short-Pay Options

Joker Poker pay tables are divided into Full Pay and Short Pay. Each has a different house edge, just like the triple-double bonus poker pay table.

Full-Pay Joker Poker (100.64% RTP)

Full-pay (20/7/5) raises the RTP to about 100.64% with perfect play. The lowest paying hand is a Pair of Kings or Aces. Here’s the full pay table for a 5-coin bet:

Note: The paytable cards above show payouts per single coin. The full-pay and short-pay tables below show payouts for the maximum 5-coin bet (required for the 4000-coin Royal Flush).

Short-Pay Joker Poker  (96–98% RTP)

In short-pay (e.g., 18/7/5), you must hit at least Two Pair to win, reducing the RTP to 96%-98%. However, the best video poker RTP versions vary. So, always check for the most favorable table.

Here’s the pay table for the short pay version using a five-coin bet:

Joker Poker Winning Strategies

Joker’s Wild Variants (Important for Strategy)

There are several versions of Joker’s Wild, and each has a different minimum winning hand:

• Kings or Better – Most common

• Aces or Better – Higher volatility

• Two Pair or Better – Tougher to hit; lower returns

Your strategy should always match the version you are playing.

There are strategy charts for video poker. And the focus of a Joker Poker strategy is on maximizing returns from hold/discard decisions.

Core Joker’s Wild Strategy Essentials

• Always hold the Joker — never discard it.

• Always keep Four to a Royal Flush (with or without Joker).

• Keep high pairs (Kings or Aces) depending on the version.

• Keep Three of a Kind (very strong with Joker).

Strategy With a Joker (Wild Card)

• Always hold the Joker.
• Prioritize building 4 to a natural Royal, 4 of a Kind, 4 to a Straight Flush, or any high-potential holdings that the Joker can complete.
• Discard low cards unrelated to straights/flushes.

Strategy Without a Joker

• • Hold cards with potential for Royals or Straights.
  • Hold 4 to a Royal or 4 to a Straight Flush over a made Flush.
  • Use strategy charts for optimal play. Check out the Deuces Wild video poker strategy.

Example Hands

Hand Example #1: Joker + A♠ Q♠ 10♠
→ Hold Joker + A♠ Q♠ 10♠ and draw to the Royal Flush.

Hand Example #2: No Joker: Q♣ J♣ 10♣ 4♦ 2♠
→ Hold Q♣ J♣ 10♣ (3 to a Royal Flush).

Top Mistakes To Avoid in Joker Poker

Avoid the following gameplay errors when playing Joker Poker:

1. Discarding the Joker if dealt (never do this).
2. Chasing low-probability hands.
3. Ignoring max bet for best payout.
4. Holding weak pairs unnecessarily.
5. Not adjusting play based on the presence of the Joker.

Gameplay Examples

Scenario 1: Joker-A-K-Q-J (Wild Royal). Hold all five, as it is a rare, high-paying hand.

Scenario 2: No Joker, A-K-Q-J-9 (suited). Hold for a Straight Flush draw.

Scenario 3: K-K-5-3-2 (no Joker). Hold the pair of Kings and discard the rest for new cards.

Joker Poker Variants and Online Options

Joker Poker variants include Double Joker and Deuces & Joker. In some online casinos, payouts can change, such as the minimum payout for Kings or Better or Two Pair. Others may adjust payouts for Straights or Flushes, while some add bonus-hand or multi-hand formats.

Go Wild With Joker Poker!

The wild card in Joker Poker makes it a variant infused with possibilities. Take note of the details on how to play, and you are on your way to an engaging and rewarding gameplay experience. And please, play responsibly.

FAQs

Is Joker Poker the same as Joker’s Wild?

Yes, only the name differs between casinos.

What is the best strategy for Joker’s Wild video poker?

Use max coins, always hold the Joker, and aim for the highest-value draws over low pairs.

What’s the RTP of Joker Poker?

Full-pay versions reach about 100.64%, while online short-pay formats offer 96–98%.

Can I play Joker Poker online for free?

Yes, you can access free demo versions for practice at most online casinos.