The recent explosion in popularity in poker has produced weekly live games in many local communities. One way to spice up the game is to permit the inclusion of cards that can be substituted for any other card in the deck. This is far best way, in fact.
Wild Card Rules
In a home game of dealer’s choice poker, the host of the game will declare how many wild cards can be utilized at the beginning of play. At the beginning of each deal, the dealer must announce the game and declare the wilds, or may choose to add the joker cards to the deck of 52 cards.
A wild card may be substituted for any other card in the deck. However, it holds no rank or value when determining the winner by card rank in a flush. So, in a game with one-eyed jacks wild (the jacks of spades and hearts), a 10 high flush of any suit would beat a flush in spades or hearts that included either or both of the wild cards if the other cards in the flush were not higher than a 10.
The highest hand in a game with wild cards is five aces. Five of a kind beats a straight flush. Wild cards do hold rank and value in a straight flush and two players with the same winning straight flush will split the pot regardless for which card the wild card is substituted.
There is a wide variety of options to utilize when playing games with wild cards. A variation of Texas Hold’em and Omaha that is often played to give every player in the hand at least one wild card is called ‘The Turn is Wild’. In this game, the fourth community card (and its matching cards in the other suits) is wild. The game produces a lot of action and pots build quickly with players calculating their hands both before and after the flop while knowing that a wild card is on the way on the turn.
The Argument for Wild Cards
Purists of the game of poker will often object to the use of wild cards. The addition of wild cards to any game drastically changes the odds and how hands should be played. It adds a true element of luck to a game of skill that must be considered when placing bets or making calls.
Wild cards can create more betting action at the table regardless of the game being played. Players will often take risks that they otherwise would not consider because they have more chances of making their hand, writes onlinecasinosthailand.com.
For games with a wide range of experience levels, the addition of wild cards will help to dull the teeth of the poker sharks and can give the fish at the table a valuable weapon. Players that typically use over aggressive betting to cause all opponents to fold are often much more cautious with their large over bets when wild cards are involved. Wild cards have a place in the game of poker and when used effectively will increase the excitement of the game for everyone involved!
Don’t be a Poker Brat!
Phil Hellmuth has eleven World of Series Poker bracelets, but, he is better known for being an obnoxious sore loser than he is for being a skillful player. While his meltdowns at the table are entertaining, ranting after losing a hand actually sets him up for more loss in the future. To quote Sun Tzu, “If your enemy is quick to anger, goad him”. Great poker players prey on moments of frustration and weakness, and throwing a fit is a sign of both.
Anyone who plays poker understands the importance of table image. When you are first seated at a table you can tell, even without looking at the other players chip stacks, who is having a good or bad day. Body language speaks volumes about a players mindset. You can tell by their posture, the look on their face and certainly by their angry comments that they are frustrated, and it is just a matter of time before they “donk off” their few remaining chips.
In most cases it is wrong to kick someone while they are down, but not at the poker table. Good players understand the importance of capitalizing on a frustrated players bad decisions. This is a key reason why you have to shake off a loss and show no signs that you are put off your game. It is easier said than done, to say the least, but maintaining your composure is essential to your table image.
After taking a bad beat or losing a big hand, it is a good idea to take a break. Whether it is by doing a couple laps around the slot machines or simply sitting out a couple hands, you should give yourself time to cool off after taking a big hit. Players having a rough night at the table often feel that luck is not on their side and believe they are destined to lose their remaining chips regardless how they play. It is no co-incidence that shortly after a player has a melt down he is usually heading out the door grumbling about bad luck. Good players love a steaming opponent like sharks love blood in the water.
By taking a few minutes to regain your bearings, you not only avoid careless mistakes, you also do not allow other players to take advantage of your annoyed state. Always remember: Emotions will hurt you at the poker table. As long as you have chips you have a chance to make a comeback, and maintaining your composure during the inevitable lows of poker is an invaluable attribute to a player.
It is therefore always suggested to play poker with good moods and never to make it influenced by emotions. A proper strategy is required as well as alert of mind. If not, one can embrace losing the games.
