Poker: A Joker can be wild, or can be a "bug", a limited form of wild card which can be used only to complete straights and flushes. War: In some variations, beats all other cards. Pitch: A point card in some variations. Jokers usually are marked as "high" and "low", one outranking the other.

In the game of poker, for example, the Joker can be used to complete a straight, a flush, or any other hand. Its function is to add an element of unpredictability and excitement to the game. In other games, the Joker may have different meanings and functions.