Possessing a joker or wild card increases your chances of making melds and finishing runs. The joker can be used as a third 5 or as parhow to play rummy circlet of a run with 4 and 6 of the same suit, for example, if you have two 5s and a joker. But even though jokers are useful tools, it's important to use them sparingly. Failure to form melds quickly can result in missed opportunities if you hold onto a joker for too long.