Badugi is a unique draw poker variant from Asia where players aim to make the lowest four-card hand with no pairs and no matching suits. It features three drawing rounds and distinctive hand rankings that differ from traditional poker.
Badugi represents one of poker's most intriguing variants, offering a completely different approach to hand evaluation and strategy. Unlike traditional poker games where flushes and straights are strong hands, Badugi rewards players who can construct the lowest possible four-card hand with no duplicate ranks or suits. This fundamental difference creates a unique strategic landscape that challenges even experienced poker players to think differently about hand construction and betting patterns.
The game originated in Asia, likely South Korea, during the 1980s and has since spread to cardrooms worldwide. The name Badugi comes from the Korean word for a black and white spotted dog, which metaphorically represents the ideal hand containing four different suits. While its exact origins remain debated, some sources credit Paul Clark with introducing the game to the United States after encountering it during the Vietnam War.
Badugi belongs to the lowball family of poker games, where the objective is to make the worst traditional poker hand. However, Badugi introduces several unique twists that set it apart from other lowball variants like 2-7 Triple Draw or Razz. The game uses a four-card format rather than five cards, and hand evaluation focuses on creating a rainbow of suits with distinct ranks.
The game typically seats six players and uses standard blinds structure with a small blind and big blind. Each player receives four cards face down, followed by a betting round and three separate drawing opportunities. Between each draw, players engage in betting rounds, creating multiple decision points and strategic layers. The pot goes to either the player with the best hand at showdown or the last player remaining if all others fold.
What makes Badugi particularly appealing is its action-oriented nature. With three drawing rounds and four betting rounds, the game generates substantial pot sizes and frequent confrontations. Players must balance aggression with hand development, deciding when to apply pressure and when to focus on improving their holdings.
Understanding the fundamental rules of Badugi is essential before diving into strategy. The game follows a structured sequence that repeats consistently, making it relatively easy to learn despite its unique hand rankings.
After the shuffle, each player receives four cards face down. The pre-draw betting round begins with the player to the left of the big blind, proceeding clockwise around the table. Players can fold, call the big blind, or raise. If a raise occurs, subsequent players must match or exceed that bet to continue in the hand.
Following the initial betting round, the first draw phase begins. Starting with the player to the dealer's left and continuing clockwise, each player can discard any number of cards from zero to four and receive replacements from the deck. Players who choose to keep all four cards are said to stand pat, signaling confidence in their current holding.
After the first draw comes the second betting round, followed by the second draw and third betting round. The pattern continues with a third draw and final betting round. If multiple players remain after the final betting round, a showdown occurs where players reveal their hands and the best Badugi wins the pot.
The drawing mechanism in Badugi follows specific protocols. If the deck becomes depleted during a draw, the discarded cards are reshuffled to create a new deck, allowing the draw to proceed. This ensures that all players can always draw the number of cards they request.
Players must decide how many cards to exchange based on their current hand strength and their read on opponents. Drawing fewer cards generally signals strength, while drawing multiple cards indicates a weaker holding that needs improvement. However, skilled players sometimes deviate from these patterns to deceive opponents.
Badugi's hand ranking system differs fundamentally from traditional poker. Understanding how hands are evaluated is crucial for making correct decisions throughout the game.
The best possible hand in Badugi is A-2-3-4 with each card of a different suit. This hand is called a four-card badugi or simply a badugi. Any four cards of different ranks and different suits constitute a badugi, with lower ranks being better than higher ranks.
When comparing two badugis, start with the highest card in each hand. The hand with the lower high card wins. If the high cards are equal, compare the second-highest cards, and so on. For example, A-2-3-5 beats A-2-4-6 because the third card is lower.
If a hand contains duplicate suits or ranks, only the best combination of cards plays. When you have two cards of the same suit, only one counts toward your hand. Similarly, if you have a pair, only one of those cards counts. This effectively reduces your hand to three cards.
Any four-card badugi beats any three-card hand, regardless of the ranks involved. Among three-card hands, the same low-to-high comparison applies. A three-card hand of A-2-3 beats a three-card hand of A-2-4.
Hands with multiple duplicate suits or ranks can be reduced to two-card or even one-card hands. A two-card hand beats a one-card hand, and three-card hands beat two-card hands. The hierarchy is always: four-card badugi beats three-card hand beats two-card hand beats one-card hand.
In practice, one-card and two-card hands rarely win at showdown unless all players have similarly weak holdings. These situations typically occur when multiple players are drawing heavily and fail to improve their hands across multiple draws.
Badugi has evolved from underground Asian cardrooms to mainstream poker platforms worldwide. The game gained traction in high-stakes mixed games before securing its place in major tournament series. Its unique mechanics offer a refreshing alternative to traditional poker variants.
Today, Badugi is played in cash games, tournaments, and mixed-game formats across online platforms and live cardrooms. The WSOP introduced a dedicated Badugi event in 2023, cementing its status as a legitimate poker discipline. Players appreciate its strategic depth and action-oriented gameplay.
Proper starting hand selection forms the foundation of winning Badugi strategy. Unlike Hold'em where position and hand strength are primary considerations, Badugi requires evaluating hands based on their potential to become strong badugis.
The strongest starting hands are smooth three-card badugis, particularly those containing an ace and low cards. Hands like A-2-3 with a fourth card of any rank or suit represent excellent starting points. These hands need only one card to complete a strong four-card badugi and can often win even if they don't improve.
Rough three-card badugis with higher cards like 6-7-8 are playable but less desirable. Two-card hands with very low cards like A-2 can be played in position but require significant improvement to win. Pat badugis, even rough ones like 7-8-9-T, are strong enough to raise with from any position.
Position plays a critical role in Badugi starting hand requirements. In early position, you should play only premium three-card hands and pat badugis. From middle position, you can expand your range to include more marginal three-card hands. In late position, especially on the button, you can profitably play a wider range including some two-card hands when the action folds to you.
The blinds present unique situations. In the small blind, you're getting a discount to call but will be out of position for all subsequent betting rounds. In the big blind, you've already invested money and should defend with a wider range against single raises, but be cautious against multiple opponents.
Drawing decisions separate skilled Badugi players from beginners. Each draw presents opportunities to improve your hand while also revealing information about opponent holdings.
On the first draw, your decision depends on your starting hand strength and the action before you. With a smooth three-card hand, drawing one card is standard. With a rough three-card hand, you might consider breaking it to draw two cards if you have a very smooth two-card base like A-2.
Pat hands should usually stand pat on the first draw, though occasionally drawing one card with a rough badugi can disguise your hand strength. This play works best against observant opponents who give you credit for a three-card hand when you draw one.
Later draws require adjusting based on opponent actions and your hand development. If you've made a strong badugi by the second draw, standing pat is usually correct. However, if your badugi is rough and opponents are also standing pat, you might consider breaking it to draw for a better hand.
Bluffing opportunities increase on later draws. If opponents continue drawing while you stand pat, they likely have weak hands. Aggressive betting can force them to fold, even if your pat hand is mediocre. Conversely, if an opponent stands pat early and bets aggressively, they likely have a strong badugi, and you should proceed cautiously unless you also have a premium hand.
Effective betting strategy in Badugi requires balancing value betting, bluffing, and hand protection across multiple betting rounds.
The pre-draw betting round sets the tone for the hand. With premium three-card hands and pat badugis, raising is standard to build the pot and narrow the field. Against multiple opponents, having fewer players improves your chances of winning, even with a strong hand.
Calling pre-draw is appropriate with marginal three-card hands in position or when facing a raise with a decent holding. Folding weak two-card hands and rough three-card hands from early position prevents playing large pots out of position with inferior holdings.
After each draw, reassess your hand strength relative to opponent actions. If you've made a strong badugi and opponents drew multiple cards, betting for value is correct. If you drew and missed while opponents stood pat, checking and folding to bets is often the best play unless you have strong reads suggesting weakness.
Bluffing works best when your betting story makes sense. If you've been drawing one card each round and suddenly stand pat, representing a completed badugi is credible. However, if you've drawn two or three cards early and then stand pat, observant opponents will suspect a bluff.
Tracking how many cards opponents draw provides valuable information about their hand strength. Players drawing three or four cards have weak holdings and are unlikely to make strong badugis. Those drawing one card likely have three-card hands, while players standing pat claim to have made badugis.
However, skilled opponents sometimes deviate from standard patterns. A player might draw two cards with a pat rough badugi to disguise strength, or stand pat with a strong three-card hand as a bluff. Adjusting to individual opponent tendencies is crucial for advanced play.
Understanding pot odds helps determine whether drawing to improve your hand is profitable. If you have a three-card hand and need one specific card to make a strong badugi, calculate how many outs you have and compare that to the pot odds offered.
With multiple draws remaining, your implied odds improve because you have additional opportunities to hit your hand and win a larger pot. Conversely, on the final draw, you must rely solely on immediate pot odds to justify calling.
Several major online poker platforms offer Badugi cash games and tournaments. PokerStars features the most robust Badugi offerings, including dedicated cash game tables at various stakes and regular tournament events. The platform also includes Badugi in its mixed game rotations like 8-Game and 10-Game.
Other sites occasionally spread Badugi games, though availability varies by region and player demand. Before playing online, ensure you understand the platform's rake structure and game selection to find the most favorable conditions.
Live Badugi games appear primarily in high-stakes mixed game rotations at major cardrooms. The World Series of Poker introduced a dedicated Badugi tournament in 2023, offering a $1,500 buy-in event that attracted both specialists and curious players from other disciplines.
The game also appears in WSOP Dealer's Choice events, where players vote on which variant to play for each orbit. Mixed game events like Triple Draw Mix include Badugi alongside other draw poker variants, providing exposure to players who might not seek out dedicated Badugi games.
Badugi offers a refreshing alternative to traditional poker variants, combining unique hand rankings with strategic depth across multiple betting and drawing rounds. Success requires mastering hand evaluation, understanding drawing strategy, and developing strong betting instincts. The game rewards patience, observation, and adaptability as you navigate the complexities of building low four-card hands while reading opponent tendencies.
Whether you're a seasoned poker player looking to expand your repertoire or a newcomer attracted to Badugi's distinctive mechanics, investing time to learn proper strategy will pay dividends. Start with low-stakes games to develop your skills, focus on solid fundamentals, and gradually incorporate advanced concepts as your understanding deepens. With practice and study, you can become proficient in this engaging poker variant.
The best possible Badugi hand is A-2-3-4 with each card of a different suit. This is called a four-card badugi or wheel, and it cannot be beaten by any other hand.
You can draw anywhere from zero to four cards on each of the three drawing rounds. Drawing zero cards is called standing pat and typically indicates a strong hand.
Straights do not count against you in Badugi. However, having multiple cards of the same suit does hurt your hand, as only one card of each suit can count toward your final hand.
While Badugi is typically played six-handed, it can accommodate more players. However, with more than six players, the deck may be depleted during draws, requiring reshuffling of discarded cards.
Badugi has a steeper initial learning curve due to its unique hand rankings, but the basic rules are straightforward. Once you understand hand evaluation, the strategic concepts become accessible with practice.
Most major online poker platforms including PokerStars offer play money Badugi tables where you can practice without risking real money. This is an excellent way to learn the game mechanics before playing for real stakes.
Leading online poker rooms offering Badugi cash games and tournaments with reliable software and player traffic.
Comprehensive guide to starting hand selection in Badugi, covering which hands to play from each position and how to adjust based on opponent actions.
Master the art of drawing decisions across all three rounds, including when to break hands, stand pat, and apply pressure with aggressive draws.
The World Series of Poker confirms the return of the $1,500 Badugi Championship for the third consecutive year with increased guaranteed prize pool.
PokerStars introduces a dedicated Badugi tournament series featuring multiple buy-in levels and a $50,000 guaranteed main event.
A high-stakes Badugi cash game at a Las Vegas cardroom sees the largest pot in recorded Badugi history exceeding $500,000.