What is a Wild Card?
Wild Card
A card that can substitute for any other card in
the deck, typically used to complete melds, hands, or match any value.
Common Wild Cards
| Card | Wild In |
|---|---|
| Joker | Rummy variants, Canasta, many games |
| Deuces (2s) | Deuces Wild Poker, some Rummy variants |
| Eights | Crazy Eights (match any suit) |
| One-Eyed Jacks | Some Poker variants |
Wild Cards in Rummy Games
In matching games like Rummy, wild cards help complete melds:
Example
You have: 5♥, 6♥, Joker. The Joker acts as 7♥, completing a run. Or use it as 5♦ to complete a set of 5s.
Wild Card Rules Vary
- Standard Gin Rummy: No wild cards used
- Indian Rummy: Jokers are wild
- Canasta: All 2s and Jokers are wild
Wild Cards in Poker
- Deuces Wild: All 2s can be any card
- Joker Poker: Joker completes any hand
- Bug: A limited wild (only completes straights/flushes)
Wild Cards in Shedding Games
In games like Crazy Eights and UNO, wild cards serve different purposes:
- Match any: Play regardless of what was led
- Declare suit: Chooser picks the next suit to follow
Strategy with Wild Cards
- Save for key moments: Don't waste wilds on easy melds
- Complete high-value hands: Use wilds for bonus combinations
- Consider alternatives: Sometimes a natural meld is better
Etymology
The phrase "wild card" entered common English from card games. It now means any unpredictable element or person - like a "wild card" entry in a tournament.