Rummikub Joker Rules: Replacing, Reusing & Endgame Penalties
A Rummikub Joker can represent a missing tile in a legal group or run. Its effective color and number are whatever that set requires.
Can a Joker be used in the 30-point initial meld?
Yes. It counts as the value of the tile it represents.
Can you recover a Joker?
After you have completed your initial meld, a Joker on the table can be cleared by legal manipulation/replacement under the current rules.
What happens to a Joker you recover?
It must be used again in that same turn as part of a legal new set; you do not put it on your rack for later.
Can you replace a Joker during your initial meld?
No. Current Rummikub rules do not allow replacing/retrieving a table Joker before or during your initial meld.
What is a Joker worth if left on your rack?
A Joker remaining on your rack at game end carries a 30-point penalty.