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How to Play Badugi Poker

Recently updated on March 6th, 2023

Badugi PokerBadugi poker is a unique and exciting variation of draw poker. The game players’ objective in this game is to make the best four-card “Badugi” hand.

This poker game has a unique hand-ranking system. Although it is a lowball poker game, the rule of the game requires that the best hand cards must be of different suits and ranks.

With its unique hand-ranking system, Badugi poker could be a breath of fresh air and a great way to put your skills to the test.

This guide looks at how the game unfolds and outlines the hand rankings. We will also provide you with the game rules and basic winning strategies. Below are the best Badugi poker casinos.

Best Sites to play Badugi

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What is Badugi Poker

Badugi poker is a unique and exciting variation of draw poker that offers a new challenge for players. It is a fun and challenging game that requires players to master the art of drawing and bluffing. This is because the hand rankings in this poker game differ from traditional poker games.

Badugi Poker

The best hand in this game is a four-card hand with cards different in suits and ranks. The second-best hand is a three-card “Badugi”, followed by a two-card “Badugi” and a one-card Badugi. We look at the hand ranking in detail, with examples below.

How to Play Badugi Poker -Step-by-Step

  • Badugi poker is played with a standard deck of 52 cards. Two to four players can play the game round. Badugi can also be played with a button or as a blind betting game.
  • Players have to place a wager before the cards are dealt.
  • In a blind game, the small blind (player on the left of the dealer) and the big blind (player on the left of the small blind) will place their bets accordingly.
  • The dealer then deals four cards to each player face-down.
  • The first player to post the bring-in bet can check, bet or fold.
  • Once all the players on the table had the opportunity to play, they could discard their cards and replace them with other cards.
  • Players can draw any number of cards(up to four cards) to improve their hands.
  • Once every player had a chance to draw, the next betting unfolds.
  • After betting, players get yet another opportunity to draw.
  • There are three drawing rounds in total, and each is preceded by a betting round.
  • After players had the opportunity to draw for the third time, the game moves to the final betting round.
  • Once the betting round ends, the game moves to the showdown.
  • In the showdown, players reveal their cards, and the player with the best Badugi hand wins the pot.

Badugi Hand RankingsBadugi Poker

Badugi’s hand rankings differ from those in other lowball poker games. In this game, a strong lowball poker hand must be made up of cards of different suits and ranks. Cards of the same rank weaken the hand.

  • An Ace, 2, 3, and 4 of different suits make the best hand in this poker game. Any four-card Badugi beats three cards Badugi.
  • An Ace 2, 3, and 3 are the best three cards Badugi hand because pairs don’t count.
  • Four Kings makes the worst hand.

Badugi Poker Rules

Although Badugi is a unique draw poker variant, the game rules are not as complex. Below are a few things players need to bear in mind when playing.

  • Any four-card Badugi hand beats a three-card Badugi hand.
  • Three-card hand beats a two-card hand.
  • Any two-card hand beats a one-card hand.
  • If two players have the best hand, they split the pot.
  • Players can “stand pat” and keep their four cards without discarding them and drawing.
  • The game can be played in a fixed-limit or pot-limit format.
  • Aces count as low cards.

Badugi Poker Strategy TipsBadugi Poker

Badugi poker is a game that requires skill and strategy, and it can be a great way to challenge yourself and test your abilities as a poker player. It also offers an opportunity to try something new, especially if you’re tired of playing traditional poker games.

Discard Cards of the Same Suit

One of the critical strategies in poker game is to pay attention to the suits of the cards in your hand. Since a Badugi hand is made of cards of different suits, it’s essential to avoid any cards of the same suit.

Discard Cards of the Same Rank

Paying attention to the ranks of the cards in your hand is also essential. Since a Badugi hand is made up of cards of different ranks, it is necessary to try and get rid of cards of the same rank.

Bluff Aggressively

Another essential strategy in this poker game is bluffing. In this game, players can bluff by pretending to have a better hand than they do. This can be done by raising and acting confident to make it appear like you have a good hand. Bluffing can be a powerful tool in poker, as it can force other players to fold, even if they have a good hand.

Play Badugi for Free

If you’re new to Badugi poker, starting by playing at lower stakes or for free is a good idea. A free poker game can help you learn the basics of the game. Then, once you understand the game better and have mastered incorporating strategies into your game, you can start playing at high stakes.

Manage Your Bankroll

Another vital aspect of poker is managing your bankroll because the game can be volatile. Therefore, it’s essential to have a solid bankroll management strategy in place. This means limiting how much you’re willing to lose in a single session and not risking more than you can afford to lose.

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