During testing I came to the solution logically. Of course, the puzzle is complicated and without trying all possible combinations of using joker I cannot prove it's the only solution. If you can find another valid solution, you'll get points for the puzzle.
The order of priority of hands in real poker is far more detailed than in the instructions.
To simplify, can you confirm the following: 1) 2 'tied' hands will have exactly the same 5 cards (but of different suits, as necessary) 2) A winning hand has a different "winning combination" (as listed 1-10)
1) If hands are 2-2-2-2-3 and K-K-K-K-A, then you have a tie, because both are 4 of a kind. Check the example.
2) for winning only type of the hand is checked, not the exact power. Between Straight and Straight, there is always a tie, no matter what the straights are
Ha. I have the example solutions so well covered, I sometimes forget they're there.
I don't believe you've answered Bram's question yet. Can the Joker duplicate the suit/value of a card already used? Perhaps the Joker does not adopt any suit/value, and is only used to pad out? (eg, 2 pairs + Joker)