Poker Glossary
Poker glossary

Wild Game

A wild game is a game that uses wild cards, or a game that is very spirited and fast-paced, with a lot of action. The meaning depends on the context.

The simple explanation

In home poker, a wild game is one where some cards, such as deuces or jokers, can be any card. The word can also describe a table where players raise a lot and the action is fast.

A closer look

In a game with wild cards, strong hands are common, so the value of hands changes: five of a kind may be possible, and hands such as a flush are weak. In the second sense, a wild game is an action game with many raises and big swings, and a good place for patient players with strong hands. Players should identify which meaning is used.

A practical example

A friend says, 'Tonight is a wild game: deuces are wild, and everyone raises.'

Full explanation

A wild game is a game that uses wild cards, or a game that is very spirited and fast-paced, with a lot of action. The meaning depends on the context.

A wild game uses wild cards, or has lots of action.

In wild-card games, hands are stronger.

A spirited game is full of raises.

Check which meaning is used.

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