In just about every card game known to man, the joker or Jester plays one of two roles. It’s either tossed out of the deck for reasons unknown, or it’s hailed as the most powerful card one can play. Why is that?
The short answer? Players began incorporating the joker into their decks in the 1860s when Euchre was popular to play. Since it originated in Europe, it can most likely be found in use among the best list of mobile casino Finland sites that provide you with gambling apps that come with loads of bonuses.
After all, it’s a four-player game that’s based on tricking your opponents – a common theme in casino games. Over time, the word ‘joker’ started being used, as it originated from the German spelling of Euchre, which is ‘Jucker.’ Surprisingly, there’s a deeper history that explains why it’s so valuable in casino games.
The history behind the Joker
In case you’re wondering if there’s any connection between the faces and suits on a deck and the Middle Ages, there is. People started gambling with cards during medieval times. Naturally, the deck was mirrored after society. There’s the King, Queen, and Jack – royalty; the Jester and Ace – nobility; and the four suits, which represent the commoners.
In the Middle Ages, a jester was a person employed to entertain the monarch and nobles. More often than not, jesters came from a poor background. The nature of their jobs also meant that most of society considered them to be fooled.
Fast forward to the 21st Century. The modern-day jesters, clowns, are still seen in the same light. So how come the joker is the strongest in the deck?
In Euchre, it’s used as a trump. Having it in your arsenal gives you an advantage over other players, depending on the rules of the game. This makes it easier for you to win – which is obviously beneficial when gambling.
Besides Euchre, the jester is derived from the Fool in tarot. A tarot deck has 78 cards and the Fool signifies a new beginning. It’s also the most powerful pick in a tarot deck because it has the ability to influence anything it’s paired with. Seeing as the joker is a descendent of the Fool, perhaps this is where its value comes from.
How the Joker is used in online casinos
Online casinos host an array of card-based games. They can be trick-taking types like Spades, where players are penalized if they choose a trick; rummy types like Mahjong where success is hinged on matching similar suits; shedding types like Crazy Eights and a host of others.
In most types of card games, the jester is either the trump or the wild card. Players have to decide on this beforehand since whatever is chosen has special capabilities. Online casinos often designate it as the wild card. In poker, for example, it’s used to complete straights and flushes.
It’s also notable to mention that not all jokers are of equal value. The multicolored one outranks the single-colored one. This rule is followed particularly in Spades, where they are considered trumps.
Here are some casino games that use cards:
- Blackjack
- Poker
- Texas Hold Em’
- Rummy
- Crazy Eights
- 21
- Old Maid
Conclusion
The history behind the joker is interesting, to say the least. It goes back to an 1860s Anglo-Saxon game as well as tarot readings. Although most people don’t know what to do with it and just toss it out of the deck, many online casinos designate it as a powerful trump. If you’re interested in gambling, knowing the role of the jester in different games can be advantageous.