5 Quick Tips: How to Play Badugi Poker

Unlike most forms of poker, where the goal is to achieve the highest possible hand, the goal of Badugi is to achieve the lowest possible hand. Wait, what? That’s right, using four cards and all four suits, the traditional poker hand rankings are mostly ignored in Badugi, which plays similar to lowball. 

Badugi poker is already a hit in card rooms and online platforms around the world.  It’s a mainstay in Dealers Choice events and the Triple Draw Mix, capturing the attention of seasoned players everywhere. Though it hasn’t yet graced the World Series of Poker stage, it’s only a matter of time before it does.  

New to poker? You may find the concept of this variant strange and confusing, but don’t let that intimidate you!  We’ve got a few straightforward tips to help you crack the code and shine at the Badugi tables.

1. Learn the Rules of Badugi Poker 

For new players, the biggest challenge often lies in mastering the rules of Badugi, which can seem odd and a bit counterintuitive compared to more familiar variants like Texas Hold’em.  Badugi stands apart with its own unique set of rules and hand rankings, so it’s crucial to familiarize yourself before jumping in head first. 

Start by learning the basic rules and hand rankings. In Badugi, hands are ranked based on the lowest high card, with four cards of different suits forming the best possible hand. The best hand is 4-3-2-Ace of different suits. The worst hand is actually a "badugi" with four cards of the same rank, as this is the lowest ranking hand.

Remember, in Badugi, aces are always low, and the goal is to make the lowest unique hand with four different suits. If any of this feels confusing, take the time to review the rules thoroughly before hitting the table.

2. Find your Advantages in Badugi Poker 

Since you’ve taken the time to learn the Badugi Poker rules, good news—you already have an advantage. At the table, you'll encounter players who are clueless about the game and expect to catch on as they go — you know the ones—they expect to pick it all up on the spot. You'll quickly spot these players by their baffling moves, like refusing to fold when they're clearly beaten. These are the opponents you want to target. Get in hands with them and seize their chips!

On the flip side, try to avoid playing against experienced players, because let’s face it, beating someone who has little understanding of the game is far easier.  While it may sound a bit ruthless, poker is all about identifying and exploiting your opponents' weaknesses. So, take every edge you can and remember: if the roles were reversed, those same players wouldn’t hesitate to take your chips.

3. Remember to Fold, and Don’t Discard

As a general rule of thumb, avoid playing hands that force you to discard three or more cards. Drawing additional cards can potentially make your hand worse. In some cases, it's better to acknowledge that the hand can't be improved. In these cases, fold and live to play another day. Don't hesitate to let go of your weaker hands if they don't improve after the first draw is over. Poker is a marathon, not a sprint; so sometimes it pays to be patient.

4. Keep it Simple

In Badugi Poker, the goal is to win the whole pot by taking half with the best 2–7 hand and the other half with the best Badugi. There are plenty of strategies you can use, with varying levels of complexity, but sometimes it pays to keep things simple. A three-card hand is the winner much of the time, so don't over complicate it by chasing cards. You might also focus on playing hands that only require two cards to be completed, preferably with at least three suits to start with. That way, you have three draws to your Badugi, and you can focus on your 2–7 hand. Keep it simple.

5. Play Position and Play Aggressively

Playing position is always a good strategy, regardless of the poker variant. Wait until you are either first or last to act to play hands. In theory, it should help increase the odds of success and limit losses. Of course, you can't always play in position; you can't control when you are dealt good cards but aim to play in position as much as possible.

Badugi is usually played as a limit game—there is a limit to how much you can bet.So when you bet, do it aggressively to maximize potential wins. If your opponent is still drawing and you have a Badugi, it's time to bet and raise. Take advantage of your chances to win pots and chip up, because you might only get a few chances throughout the game.

Now you know the basics of how to play Badugi poker, will you give it a try?

Badugi Poker Frequently Asked Questions

What is Badugi poker?
Badugi is a draw poker variant where the goal is to make the lowest possible hand using four different suits, with no pairs, and ideally all four cards of different ranks.

How is Badugi different from traditional poker games?
Unlike traditional poker variants like Texas Hold'em or Omaha, Badugi focuses on making the lowest hand with four cards of different suits and ranks. Pairs, three-of-a-kinds, and four-of-a-kinds count against you in Badugi.

How are hands ranked in Badugi? 
Hands are ranked by the number of cards and their ranks. The best possible hand is called a Badugi, which consists of one card of each suit with no pairs. If no player has a Badugi, the best three-card hand (a "triple") or two-card hand (a "double") determines the winner.

Can you draw cards in Badugi? 
Yes, Badugi is a draw poker game where players can discard any number of their cards and draw new ones in an attempt to improve their hand.

How many cards can you draw in Badugi? 
You can draw up to four cards in Badugi. However, in most games, players usually draw fewer than four cards because they try to keep or improve their existing hands.

What is a Badugi hand? 
A Badugi hand is the best possible hand in the game, consisting of four cards of different ranks and suits. For example, having one card each of Ace, 2, 3, and 4 with different suits (spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs) would be a Badugi.

How is the pot awarded in Badugi?
The pot is awarded to the player with the best Badugi hand. If no player has a Badugi, the pot may be split among players with the best three-card or two-card hands, depending on house rules.

What are the betting rounds in Badugi? 
Badugi typically follows the same structure as other poker games with betting rounds before and after the draw. There is usually a small blind and a big blind, followed by rounds of betting before the draw, after the draw, and after subsequent betting rounds.

Where did Badugi originate? 
Badugi is believed to have originated in Asia, particularly in South Korea, although its exact origins are unclear. It gained popularity in the United States and other parts of the world as poker players sought out new and challenging variants.