If you have been around poker tables or watched high-stakes mixed games, chances are you have heard the term “Badugi” thrown around. Yet, despite its rising popularity, many players remain confused by what exactly Badugi is—and how it is played.
In this straightforward guide, we will clear things up, explaining exactly how Badugi poker works, what sets it apart from other poker games, and the essential rules and strategies you need to get started.
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What Exactly is Badugi Poker?
Badugi is a distinctive lowball draw poker variant that originated in Asia. Unlike traditional poker variants (like Hold’em or Omaha), Badugi uses completely unique hand rankings. It is typically played in mixed-game formats and has even secured its own events at the World Series of Poker.
In Badugi, each player is dealt four private cards—no community cards are involved. The goal? Make the lowest possible four-card hand, with each card a different rank and suit. A “Badugi” refers specifically to having all four cards of different suits and values.
If you already know how to play online poker, Badugi poker will be a little easier to understand.
The Essentials How to Play Badugi Poker
The Essentials: How to Play Badugi Poker
At its core, Badugi poker is a triple-draw lowball game, similar in structure to 2-7 Triple Draw. Here is how a typical hand unfolds:
- Blinds and Betting: Badugi uses a standard poker betting structure with a dealer button and blinds (small and big blind). Betting starts with the player immediately left of the big blind.
- Initial Deal: Each player gets four private cards, face down. No shared or community cards are used.
- Drawing Rounds: After initial betting, players have three opportunities (draws) to discard and replace cards. You can discard anywhere from zero (standing pat) to all four cards each round.
- Betting Rounds: There are four betting rounds total: one before the first draw and one after each draw.
- Showdown and Winning the Pot: After the final betting round, the best four-card “Badugi” hand wins. If no one has a full four-card Badugi, the best three-card hand takes the pot, and so on.
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Badugi Hand Rankings
Badugi rankings are unique, and they rely on two main principles:
- Cards must be different suits.
- Cards must be different ranks (no pairs).
Here is how hand strength is determined, best to worst:
- Four-card Badugi: Four unpaired cards, all of different suits. Best possible hand is A-2-3-4, all different suits (Ace always counts as low). Example: A♠ 2♦ 3♣ 4♥ (The absolute best hand).
- Three-card Hand: If you have two cards of the same suit or value, only one counts. Your best three unique cards determine your hand strength. Example: A♠ 3♦ 5♣ 5♦ counts as a three-card A-3-5.
- Two-card Hand: Two unique cards of different suits, with two duplicates (pair or suit). Example: 4♠ 4♦ 5♣ 5♦ counts as a two-card 4-5.
- One-card Hand: The weakest hand: four cards all the same suit or four identical ranks (extremely rare).
A couple of things to keep in mind—straights do not count against you and the highest card determines hand strength (e.g., a 9-7-3-2 beats a J-3-2-A).
Betting Structure: Limit, Pot-limit, and More
Most Badugi games you will encounter use a Fixed Limit betting structure. In fixed limit:
- Before the first two draws, bets are at a lower limit (small bet).
- After the second draw, bets double to the higher limit (big bet).
Common formats include €2/€4 or €4/€8 limit Badugi, especially online or in casinos around Ireland.
Example Hand Walkthrough
Let us run through a realistic example:
Game: €2/€4 Limit Badugi
- You are dealt: A♥ 4♦ 7♦ K♠
- Current hand: Three-card hand (A-4-K)
- Pre-draw, you call the €2 big blind.
First Draw: You discard the 7♦, hoping to pick up a club. You receive 3♣. Now holding A♥ 3♣ 4♦ K♠, a four-card Badugi.
- Second round betting begins. You bet €2, opponent calls.
Second Draw: You stand pat (keeping all your cards). Your opponent discards one card, signalling they are chasing a strong Badugi too.
- Betting doubles (€4 bets). You bet €4, opponent calls.
Third Draw: Both players stand pat.
- Final betting: You bet €4, opponent calls.
- Showdown: Your A-3-4-K Badugi beats opponent’s A-2-6-Q. You win the pot!
Quick Strategy Tips to Improve Your Badugi Game
Quick Strategy Tips to Improve Your Badugi Game
There are four key tips for Badugi poker:
- Aggressively Pursue Badugis: A completed four-card Badugi is strong. Bet aggressively once you have one, even if it is high-valued.
- Do not Chase Too Hard: Discarding 3-4 cards every draw means your hand is weak. Consider folding early to minimise losses.
- Watch Opponents Carefully: If opponents repeatedly stand pat, they likely have a strong hand or may be bluffing. Adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Position Matters: Act aggressively from later positions, as you have more information on opponents' draws and bets.
Final Thoughts on Online Badugi Poker
Badugi is more than a novelty. It offers strategic depth, exciting draws, and some of the most thrilling bluffs you will find in poker rounds. It also regularly appears in mixed poker rotations.
The game might seem unusual initially, but it is one of poker’s most entertaining and strategic variants. Its unique rules and hand rankings keep the game quite fresh. So, make sure you understand the practical fundamentals outlined above, and you should be ready to confidently join your first Badugi table.
Give it a try—Badugi might quickly become your new favourite poker variant!
FAQ: Quick Questions about Badugi
What’s the best possible Badugi hand?
A-2-3-4, all different suits.
Can I count straights or flushes?
No. Straights and flushes do not count in Badugi—only low, unsuited, unpaired cards matter.
Is Ace always low in Badugi?
Yes. Ace is always considered the lowest possible card.
Is Badugi popular in Ireland?
Badugi is gaining popularity, especially among experienced poker players and mixed-game enthusiasts in Irish casinos and online poker rooms.
How often should I fold in Badugi?
Frequently fold hands requiring three or more discards after the first draw, as these rarely improve enough to win.
