How to use Jokers

Jokers are a double-edged sword. If you can use them well, they're a fantastic tool. But if you get caught with them in your hand, they can be very painful!

Rule 1 - use in sets, not runs

To release a joker from a set, players have to lay down BOTH missing cards. This makes it much harder to pick up a joker used in a set.

Rule 2 - hold early, meld later

If you're dealt or pick up a joker early in a game, keep hold of it - it'll give you many more options later. If you pick one up late in the game (ie beyond the half way point in the deck) try to meld with it as soon as possible, even if that means breaking rule 1.

A good player never gets caught with a joker in their hand.

Rule 3 - always meld, never discard

Sounds stupid, but I've seen players discard a joker late in the game because they couldn't find an obvious meld for it. Once there are melds on the table, you can almost always find a place for a joker - just be creative!

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