Badugi is a unique and lesser-known form of draw poker that originates from Asia, most notably gaining popularity in South Korea. Unlike traditional poker games that aim for high-ranking combinations like straights or flushes, Badugi is a lowball game where the goal is to make the lowest possible hand with four different suits and no pairs.
Its distinctive rules, strategic complexity, and rarity in mainstream tournaments make Badugi a favorite among seasoned players who enjoy offbeat poker formats.
How to Play Badugi
Badugi is typically played as a triple draw lowball game, meaning players have three opportunities to discard and draw cards. Here’s how a round of Badugi is structured:
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Initial Deal: Each player receives four cards face down.
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First Betting Round: Begins with the player to the left of the big blind.
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First Draw: Players may discard any number of cards (0–4) and receive replacements.
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Second Betting Round: Follows the first draw.
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Second Draw and Betting Round: Repeat the process.
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Third Draw and Final Betting Round: Last chance to improve your hand.
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Showdown: The player with the best Badugi hand wins the pot.
Badugi is usually played with blinds, similar to Texas Hold’em, and can be structured as limit, pot-limit, or no-limit depending on the setting.
Understanding Hand Rankings in Badugi
The best possible hand in Badugi is A♣ 2♦ 3♥ 4♠, which consists of four cards of different suits and no pairs—also called a “4-card Badugi.” If no player makes a 4-card Badugi, hands are ranked based on the lowest number of unpaired, uniquely suited cards.
Hand Ranking Basics:
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Four-card Badugi beats a three-card hand.
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Lower cards are better — A-2-3-4 is the nuts (best hand).
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Pairs or suited cards reduce your hand’s strength (you only count the lowest possible unsuited, unpaired cards).
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Example: A♠ 2♠ 3♥ 4♣ = only a 3-card Badugi (because of the two spades).
Key Strategies for Badugi
Play Aggressively with Strong Hands
A made Badugi, especially with low cards, is a strong hand that should be bet aggressively. Many opponents will still be drawing, so capitalize on fold equity.
Discard Wisely
If you start with three unique suits and a high fourth card (like a king), consider discarding the high card even if it makes a temporary three-card Badugi. The goal is to improve to four lower cards.
Pay Attention to Opponent Draws
If your opponent stands pat (doesn’t draw), it’s likely they have a made Badugi. Use this read to make disciplined folds or apply pressure depending on your draw strength.
Position Matters
As in most poker games, acting last provides valuable information. You’ll know how many cards your opponents drew, helping you determine your action.
Where to Play Badugi
Although not as commonly spread as Hold’em or Omaha, Badugi can be found in:
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Online poker sites with mixed-game offerings
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Home games that enjoy rotation formats
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High-stakes mixed cash games in casinos
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WSOP or mixed tournaments, occasionally
Its inclusion in dealer’s choice and mixed events has kept it alive among enthusiasts who seek game variety.
FAQ
What is the best possible hand in Badugi?
The best possible hand is A♣ 2♦ 3♥ 4♠ — four low cards of different suits with no pairs. This is known as a “Four-Card Badugi.”
What happens if no one has a four-card Badugi?
If no players have a complete Badugi, the winner is the player with the best three-card hand, then two-card, and so on, with lower cards and fewer duplicates winning.
Is Badugi hard to learn for beginners?
Badugi has simple rules but complex strategy. While it’s easy to understand the goal, mastering draw decisions and hand reading requires experience. It’s ideal for players looking to explore beyond mainstream poker variants.