Badugi is a unique and exciting draw poker variant that challenges traditional poker strategies. Unlike games that focus on high hands or even traditional low hands, Badugi requires players to build a hand of four low cards, each of a different suit and rank — known as a “Badugi.” Learning how to construct a strong four-card Badugi hand is essential for winning consistently, especially in draw phases where hand evaluation and decision-making are crucial.

Understanding the Basics of a Badugi Hand

In Badugi, the best possible hand is A-2-3-4, with each card being a different suit. This combination is both the lowest and most diverse in terms of suits and ranks, making it unbeatable.

A valid Badugi hand must meet the following conditions:

• Four different suits

• Four different ranks

• The lowest cards possible

If two or more cards share a suit or rank, the hand is reduced to a three-card, two-card, or one-card Badugi — and is considered weaker.

Ideal Starting Hands

Since you only have three draw rounds in most Badugi formats, your starting hand selection is critical. The best starting hands include:

• A-2-3 of different suits + any fourth card

• Two-card combinations like A-2 suited (hoping to draw into a strong four-card Badugi)

• Three low cards of different suits under 7

Avoid hands with paired ranks or duplicate suits, as they reduce your potential to build a full Badugi.

Drawing Strategy and Hand Improvement

Once you’ve assessed your initial four cards, it’s important to determine how many cards to draw:

• With three suited, unpaired cards: Discard the fourth card and draw one.

• With two Badugi cards and two unplayable cards: Draw two, focusing on getting cards of new suits and low values.

• With four cards but one duplicate suit or pair: Discard the highest card that breaks the Badugi and aim to draw a clean replacement.

Always prioritize improving to a four-card Badugi over chasing an ultra-low hand if your draw potential is strong.

Reading Opponents and Table Dynamics

Observing your opponents is just as important in Badugi as in any other poker variant. Players who stand pat early likely have strong four-card hands. Use this information to:

• Apply pressure when you suspect weakness

• Draw cautiously when behind

• Bluff carefully if you’re holding a solid three-card hand and others are drawing multiple cards

Pay attention to how many cards opponents are drawing and whether they change strategy mid-hand. This can offer insight into their likely hand strength.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Badugi is deceptively tricky, and players often make the following errors:

• Overvaluing three-card Badugis: Especially against opponents who stand pat

• Holding on to high cards just for suit diversity

• Failing to adjust draw strategy based on position and opponent tendencies

Discipline and hand reading are more important than chasing idealized low hands that rarely materialize.

FAQ

1. What qualifies as a full four-card Badugi?
A four-card Badugi consists of four cards of different suits and different ranks, with the lowest possible combination (ideally A-2-3-4 in four suits).

2. Is it better to stand pat with a weak Badugi or draw to improve?
It depends on your opponents’ actions. If you’re early and everyone is drawing, standing pat with a weak Badugi might be good. But against a pat opponent, you’re likely behind and may need to take the risk to improve.

3. Can you win with a three-card Badugi?
Yes, if no other player has a full Badugi. However, three-card hands are typically weaker, and you’ll need favorable conditions — such as everyone else still drawing — to win with them.