Badugi is a unique poker variant that stands out by its lowball nature, meaning the lowest hand wins. The objective is to create the lowest possible four-card hand with each card being a different suit and a different rank. Forget about those fancy full houses and flushes – they have no place here.
The game typically uses blinds, much like Texas Hold’em, though antes can also be used. Badugi can be played in limit, pot limit, or no limit formats, but limit is the most common.
Betting structures impact the strategy significantly. With limit betting, you’ll see more cautious, calculated moves. Pot limit and no limit open the door for more aggressive play and bigger pots. Whether you’re just dipping your toes in or diving headfirst into Badugi, remember: this game is all about getting low and mixing it up!
Comparing Badugi to No Limit Hold’em
Badugi and No Limit Hold’em are worlds apart, each with its own unique challenges and strategies. To help you navigate the differences, here’s a quick comparison to get you up to speed with Badugi:
- Objective: In No Limit Hold’em, the goal is to make the best five-card hand. In Badugi, the aim is to make the lowest four-card hand with each card being a different suit and rank.
- Hand Ranking: Hold’em follows a standard poker hand ranking with pairs, straights, flushes, etc. Badugi, on the other hand, values the lowest hand, and hands with duplicate suits or ranks are undesirable.
- Number of Cards: Hold’em uses a combination of community cards and hole cards (a total of seven cards to choose from). Badugi strictly uses four hole cards dealt to each player, and no community cards.
- Betting Structure: Hold’em can be played in various formats (limit, pot limit, no limit), with no limit being the most popular. Badugi is predominantly played in a limit format, making the betting more structured and the swings less dramatic.
- Blinds and Antes: Both games can use blinds and antes. Hold’em typically uses blinds to initiate betting, while Badugi can use either blinds or antes, depending on the house rules.
- Strategy Focus: In Hold’em, strategy often revolves around bluffing, reading opponents, and leveraging position. Badugi places more emphasis on drawing the right cards, discarding effectively, and reading the strength of your opponents’ discards.
- Game Pace: Hold’em is generally faster-paced with community cards dealt in stages. Badugi can be slower, with multiple draw rounds where players discard and draw new cards to improve their hands.
How to Play Badugi
Badugi is a fascinating and challenging poker variant that offers a refreshing twist for those familiar with traditional poker games. Here’s a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you master Badugi and start playing confidently.
Understanding the Basics
In Badugi, the goal is to make the lowest possible four-card hand, with each card being a different suit and a different rank. Traditional poker hands like pairs, straights, and flushes have no value here and actually count against your hand. Aces are always low, making A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ 4♥️ the best possible hand. Duplicate suits or ranks will reduce the effective size of your hand, making it harder to achieve a complete Badugi.
Dealing the Cards
Badugi is typically played with a limit betting structure, using blinds to initiate the betting. The game uses a standard 52-card deck.
- Blinds: The game starts with the two players to the left of the dealer posting the small and big blinds, similar to Texas Hold’em. For this example, we’ll use a $1/$2 limit.
- Dealing: Each player is dealt four cards face down, known as “hole cards.” Players must keep these cards hidden from their opponents.
Example:
- Player 1 (you) receives: 7♠️ 4♦️ 2♣️ K♥️.
- Player 2 receives: 5♥️ 5♠️ 3♦️ A♣️.
- Player 3 receives: 2♦️ 3♠️ 4♥️ 6♣️.
- Player 4 receives: J♦️ Q♠️ 8♣️ 9♥️.
The First Betting Round
Once the cards are dealt, the first betting round begins, starting with the player to the left of the big blind.
- Betting: In a $1/$2 limit game, the raise amount is fixed at $1 for this round.
Example:
- Player 3 raises $1, confident in their hand with 2♦️ 3♠️ 4♥️ 6♣️ (aiming to improve by drawing one card).
- Player 4 folds.
- Player 1 (small blind) calls $1 (completing the big blind).
- Player 2 (big blind) calls $1.
The pot now has $6.
The First Draw
After the first betting round, players have the opportunity to improve their hands by drawing new cards.
- Discarding: Each player can discard any number of cards from their hand and draw new ones from the deck. Players may choose to keep their entire hand if they prefer.
- Drawing: The dealer deals the new cards to each player who discarded, starting with the player closest to the dealer’s left.
Example:
- Player 1 discards 2 cards (K♥️, 7♠️) and receives Q♣️ and 5♦️. New hand: 5♦️ 4♦️ 2♣️ Q♣️.
- Player 2 discards 2 cards (5♠️, 5♥️) and receives 7♣️ and 4♠️. New hand: 3♦️ A♣️ 7♣️ 4♠️.
- Player 3 discards 1 card (6♣️) and receives 9♠️. New hand: 2♦️ 3♠️ 4♥️ 9♠️.
The Second Betting Round
After the draw, another round of betting occurs, starting with the first active player to the left of the dealer. Player 1 now starts the betting round.
Example:
- Player 1 bets $2.
- Player 2 calls $2.
- Player 3 calls $2.
The pot now has $12.
The Second Draw
Players again have the chance to discard and draw new cards to improve their hands.
Example:
- Player 1 discards 2 cards (Q♣️, 5♦️) and receives 6♠️ and 3♥️. New hand: 3♥️ 4♦️ 2♣️ 6♠️.
- Player 2 discards 1 card (7♣️) and receives J♥️. New hand: 3♦️ A♣️ 4♠️ J♥️.
- Player 3 discards 1 card (9♠️) and receives 7♦️. New hand: 2♦️ 3♠️ 4♥️ 7♦️.
The Third Betting Round
Following the second draw, there is another round of betting.
Example:
- Player 1 bets $2.
- Player 2 calls $2.
- Player 3 calls $2.
The pot now has $18.
The Final Draw
Players have one last opportunity to improve their hands by discarding and drawing new cards.
Example:
- Player 1 stands pat with 3♥️ 4♦️ 2♣️ 6♠️ (deciding not to draw any more cards).
- Player 2 discards 1 card (J♥️) and draws 6♥️. New hand: 3♦️ A♣️ 4♠️ 6♥️.
- Player 3 stands pat with 2♦️ 3♠️ 4♥️ 7♦️ (deciding not to draw any more cards).
The Final Betting Round
The last betting round follows the final draw, with the same rules as previous rounds.
Example:
- Player 1 bets $2.
- Player 2 calls.
- Player 3 calls.
The pot now has $24.
Showdown
After the final betting round, players reveal their hands to determine the winner.
- Revealing: Players who have not folded reveal their hands.
- Winning Hand: The player with the lowest Badugi hand wins the pot. A Badugi hand must have four different ranks and suits. If no player has a Badugi, the best three-card or two-card hand wins.
Example:
- Player 1 reveals 2♣️ 3♥️ 4♦️ 6♠️ (a complete Badugi).
- Player 2 reveals A♣️ 3♦️ 4♠️ 6♥️ (a complete Badugi, lower than Player 1).
- Player 3 reveals 2♦️ 3♠️ 4♥️ 7♦️ (a three-card Badugi: 2♦️ 3♠️ 4♥️, with 7♦️ being an extra card).
Player 2’s 5 high Badugi (3♦️ A♣️ 4♠️ 5♣️) wins.
Why Player 3 has a Three-Card Badugi?
In Badugi, a hand with duplicate suits or ranks only counts the unique suits. Player 3’s hand has two diamonds (2♦️ and 7♦️), so only the lowest three unique cards (2♦️ 3♠️ 4♥️) are considered.
Remember: In Badugi, a complete four-card Badugi always beats a three-card Badugi, which in turn always beats a two-card Badugi, and so on. The hierarchy is simple: the more unique suits and ranks you have, the stronger your hand. For example, a hand with 3♥️ 4♦️ 2♣️ 8♠️ (a complete Badugi) will always beat a hand with 2♦️ 3♠️ 4♥️ 7♦️ (a three-card Badugi).
By following these steps and practicing, you’ll soon get the hang of Badugi.
This video from RecPoker Community can help you better understand the game:
Hand Rankings in Badugi
In Badugi, the hand rankings are based on creating the lowest possible four-card hand with each card being of a different rank and suit. Traditional poker hands like pairs, straights, and flushes have no value in Badugi and actually count against your hand. Aces are always low, making A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ 4♥️ the best possible hand. Duplicate suits or ranks reduce the effective size of your hand, impacting its strength.
Ranking Logic and Rules
- Complete Badugi: A hand with four different suits and ranks. This is the strongest possible hand.
- Three-Card Badugi: If no player has a complete Badugi, the hand with three unique suits and ranks is next in line.
- Two-Card Badugi: If no player has a complete or three-card Badugi, the hand with two unique suits and ranks wins.
- One-Card Badugi: The weakest possible hand with only one unique suit and rank.
Hand Rankings (Best to Worst)
- A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ 4♥️ (Best possible Badugi)
- A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ 5♥️
- A♠️ 2♣️ 4♦️ 5♥️
- A♠️ 3♣️ 4♦️ 5♥️
- 2♠️ 3♣️ 4♦️ 5♥️
- A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ 6♥️
- A♠️ 2♣️ 4♦️ 6♥️
- A♠️ 3♣️ 4♦️ 6♥️
- 2♠️ 3♣️ 4♦️ 6♥️
- A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ 7♥️
The list continues in the same logic, considering the lowest cards with unique suits and ranks.
Example Scenarios
- Scenario 1: Player A has A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ 4♥️ (a complete Badugi), and Player B has 2♠️ 3♣️ 4♦️ 7♥️ (a complete Badugi). Player A wins because their hand is lower.
- Scenario 2: Player A has A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ K♠️ (three-card Badugi: A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️), and Player B has 3♠️ 4♣️ 5♦️ 6♠️ (three-card Badugi: 3♠️ 4♣️ 5♦️). Player A wins because their three-card Badugi is lower.
- Scenario 3: Player A has A♠️ 2♣️ 3♠️ 4♣️ (two-card Badugi: A♠️ 2♣️), and Player B has 2♠️ 3♣️ 3♠️ Q♥️ (three-card Badugi: 2♠️ 3♣️ Q♥️). Player B wins because with a two-card Badugi is better than a three-card Badugi.
Tips and Tricks for Badugi
Badugi may seem simple at first glance, but mastering it requires a keen understanding of strategy and psychology. Here are some tips and tricks to elevate your game.
Starting Hand Selection
Choosing the right starting hand is crucial in Badugi. Unlike other poker variants, where you might play more speculative hands, Badugi rewards patience and discipline.
- Strong Four-Card Hands: Ideally, you want to start with four low, unsuited cards. Hands like A♠️ 3♣️ 4♦️ 7♥️ are excellent starting points.
- Three-Card Badugi Potential: Hands that have three low, unsuited cards with one higher card can also be playable, especially if the fourth card is easily discardable. For example, A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ K♥️ gives you a strong base to draw from.
- Avoid High Cards and Pairs: High cards and pairs are detrimental. Hands like 7♠️ 8♣️ 9♦️ J♥️ should be avoided as they offer little potential for a low Badugi.
Bluffing Techniques
Bluffing in Badugi can be particularly effective due to the limited information available to opponents.
- Representing Strong Hands: If you’ve drawn fewer cards than your opponents, you can represent a stronger hand. For instance, standing pat (not drawing any cards) can suggest you have a complete Badugi.
- Disguising Weakness: Occasionally drawing one card with a weak hand can confuse your opponents, making them think you’re closer to a complete hand than you actually are.
- Reading Opponents: Pay attention to how many cards your opponents are drawing. If they’re consistently drawing multiple cards, they likely have weaker hands, making them more susceptible to bluffs.
The Importance of Position
Position plays a significant role in Badugi, just as it does in other poker variants.
- Late Position Advantage: Acting last gives you more information about your opponents’ actions. You can see how many cards they draw and make more informed decisions.
- Aggression in Position: Use your position to apply pressure. Betting or raising in late position can force your opponents to make tough decisions with incomplete information.
- Playing Conservatively Out of Position: When out of position, it’s wise to play more cautiously. Without the advantage of seeing your opponents’ actions first, you should avoid overcommitting with marginal hands.
Adjusting Your Play Style
Adapting to the tendencies of your opponents is key to success in Badugi.
- Identifying Player Types: Recognize whether your opponents are tight or loose, passive or aggressive. Adjust your strategy accordingly.
- Against Tight Players: Use more bluffs and be aggressive with your strong hands.
- Against Loose Players: Play more conservatively and value bet your strong hands.
- Exploiting Patterns: Look for patterns in your opponents’ play. If someone consistently draws two cards and then bets aggressively, they might be bluffing more often.
- Switching Gears: Mix up your play to stay unpredictable. Sometimes play hands passively to induce bluffs, and other times play aggressively to steal pots.
Insights from Professional Players
Professional players often share valuable insights that can enhance your Badugi strategy. Here are a few tips based on their experiences:
- Daniel Negreanu’s Patience: Known for his patience, Negreanu emphasizes the importance of waiting for strong starting hands and not getting caught up in the action with weak hands.
- Phil Ivey’s Bluffing: Ivey’s success in poker often comes from his ability to read opponents and bluff effectively. In Badugi, he applies pressure when he senses weakness.
- Jennifer Harman’s Adaptability: Harman is known for her ability to adapt to different poker variants. She suggests constantly adjusting your strategy based on the dynamics of the table and the tendencies of your opponents.
Common Mistakes in Badugi and How to Avoid Them
- Overvaluing Three-Card Hands: Many players fall into the trap of overvaluing three-card hands, especially if they’re low. Remember, a complete Badugi will always beat any three-card hand. Avoid getting too attached to these hands unless you have good reason to believe it’s the best hand at the table.
- Not Paying Attention to Opponents: Ignoring your opponents’ discards and betting patterns can be a costly mistake. Always observe and take notes on how they play their hands. This information is crucial for making better decisions.
- Drawing Too Many Cards: Drawing more than two cards after the first draw can be a sign of a weak hand. If you consistently find yourself drawing three or four cards, you may need to reevaluate your starting hand selection.
- Playing Too Many Hands: Badugi requires patience. Don’t play marginal hands just because you’re bored or want to be involved. Stick to starting hands that have the potential to make strong Badugis.
- Ignoring Position: Acting without considering your position can lead to poor decisions. If you’re out of position, play more conservatively and wait for stronger hands before getting involved.
- Failing to Adjust: Badugi is a game of constant adjustments. Failing to adapt your strategy based on your opponents’ tendencies and the dynamics of the table can leave you at a disadvantage. Stay flexible and adjust your play as needed.
- Chasing Draws: Chasing after weak draws, hoping for a miracle, is a recipe for disaster. Be realistic about your chances of completing a strong hand and fold when necessary.
Watch this video from Andreas Froehli Poker to gain some advanced insight into Badugi.
Notable Bracelet Winners for Badugi
Badugi made its debut at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2023, making it one of the newest additions to the WSOP lineup. As a result, there have only been two bracelet winners in this variant so far.
| Player | Bracelets | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Rodrigues | 1 | 2023 |
| David Prociak | 1 | 2024 |
Fun Facts, Myths, and Records about Badugi
- South Korean Origins: Badugi is believed to have originated in South Korea in the 1960s and 70s. The name “Badugi” might be derived from the Korean word “baduk” or “badug,” which refers to a black-and-white pattern, although there is some debate and mystery surrounding its exact origins.
- Introduction to North America: The late American poker pro Paul “Eskimo” Clark is often credited with introducing Badugi to the United States after learning it while serving as a medic in the Vietnam War. This helped spread the game outside of Asia and into Western poker circles.
- Different Names and Pronunciations: Badugi is known by several names, including “Padugi,” “Padooki,” and “Padookie.” The pronunciation varies widely, with the most common being “bah-doo-gee”.
- Popularity in Online Poker: Badugi gained significant popularity in online poker rooms starting around 2008. PokerStars was one of the first major sites to offer Badugi, which helped introduce the game to a broader audience. Despite its niche status, it remains a favorite among players who enjoy draw poker variants.
- WSOP Debut: Badugi made its debut at the World Series of Poker (WSOP) in 2023. This marked a significant milestone for the game, showcasing its growing acceptance and popularity within the poker community.
Famous Quotes about Badugi
“Badugi can be a mind game. You have to constantly read your opponents while keeping your own strategy unpredictable.”
Jennifer Harman“Badugi is a game of patience and precision. Knowing when to stand pat and when to draw is a skill that separates the pros from the amateurs.”
Daniel Negreanu
Odds in Badugi
Understanding the odds in Badugi is essential for making informed decisions during the game. Here are some key odds and statistics specific to Badugi that can help you enhance your strategy.
- Odds of Starting with a Four-Card Badugi: The probability of being dealt a perfect four-card Badugi (e.g., A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ 4♥️) right from the start is relatively low, approximately 0.039% or about 1 in 2,541 hands.
- Odds of Improving from a Three-Card Badugi to a Four-Card Badugi: If you have a three-card Badugi and are drawing one card to complete it, you have roughly a 27% chance (1 in 4) of completing your Four-Card Badugi.
- Odds of Making a Badugi by the Final Draw: If you start with a three-card Badugi, the overall probability of completing a four-card Badugi by the final draw is about 51%. This takes into account the three opportunities to draw and the likelihood of hitting the correct card without duplicating suits or ranks.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions for Badugi
What is Badugi?
Badugi is a poker variant where the goal is to create the lowest possible hand with four cards of different ranks and suits. Aces are low, and the best possible hand is A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ 4♥️.
Why is it called Badugi?
The name “Badugi” is believed to come from the Korean word “baduk” or “badug,” which refers to a black-and-white pattern. It’s also a common name for a black-and-white spotted dog in Korea.
When was Badugi invented?
Badugi is thought to have originated in South Korea in the 1960s and 70s, though it gained popularity in North America later, particularly in the 1980s.
What is the difference between Badugi and Texas Hold’em?
In Badugi, players aim for the lowest hand with no pairs or same-suit cards, using four cards. Texas Hold’em, on the other hand, focuses on making the best five-card hand from two hole cards and five community cards.
What are the best starting hands in Badugi?
The best starting hands in Badugi are low, unsuited cards. Examples include A♠️ 2♣️ 3♦️ 4♥️ and A♣️ 2♦️ 3♠️ 5♥️.
How to learn Badugi?
Learning Badugi involves understanding the rules, hand rankings, and strategies. Start by playing free online games, watching tutorials, and studying strategy guides specific to Badugi.
Badugi for dummies or How to play Badugi?
Badugi is a draw poker game where players aim for the lowest hand with no pairs or same-suit cards. Players can draw and discard cards up to three times to improve their hands, with betting rounds in between.
How to win at Badugi?
To win at Badugi, focus on drawing low, unsuited cards, observe opponents’ drawing patterns, and use position to your advantage. Bluffing can also be effective, especially when you’ve drawn fewer cards than your opponents.
How to deal the cards in Badugi?
In Badugi, each player is dealt four cards face down. Players then have up to three drawing rounds to discard and draw new cards, aiming to improve their hands.
How to study for Badugi?
Study Badugi by playing regularly, analyzing hand histories, and reading strategy guides. Websites like PokerStars, GG Poker, 888poker, and Party Poker offer resources and platforms to practice.
What are the best books or resources about Badugi?
While specific books on Badugi are rare, many poker strategy books cover draw poker variants. Online articles, forums, and poker training sites are excellent resources.
What are some strategies for Badugi?
Key strategies in Badugi include starting with low, unsuited hands, using position to your advantage, and observing opponents’ drawing patterns to gauge hand strength.
What are common mistakes to avoid in Badugi?
Common mistakes include overvaluing three-card hands, drawing too many cards, ignoring position, and failing to adjust strategy based on opponents’ actions.
Where can I play Badugi?
Badugi can be played in various online poker rooms and some live poker settings. Popular sites include PokerStars, GG Poker, 888poker, and Party Poker.
Where to play Badugi for free?
Free Badugi games can be found on PokerStars, GG Poker, 888poker, and Party Poker. These platforms offer play money games to practice without financial risk.
Badugi near me?
To find live Badugi games, check with local casinos, poker clubs, or community poker events. Online forums and poker groups can also provide information about nearby games.
Top bracelet winners in Badugi?
While it’s subjective, players like Michael Rodrigues and David Prociak have made notable achievements in Badugi with their WSOP wins.
How many bracelets has Daniel Negreanu won in Badugi?
Daniel Negreanu has not won any WSOP bracelets in Badugi.
How many bracelets has Phil Ivey won in Badugi?
Phil Ivey has not won any WSOP bracelets in Badugi.
How many bracelets has Phil Hellmuth won in Badugi?
Phil Hellmuth has not won any WSOP bracelets in Badugi.
What is the biggest pot ever played in Badugi?
Specific details on the biggest pot ever played in Badugi are not well-documented, but significant pots are often seen in high-stakes online and live games.
What are the biggest Badugi tournaments?
The biggest Badugi tournaments are the WSOP events, specifically the $1,500 Badugi tournaments held in 2023 and 2024.
Now, it’s your turn to dive into the world of Badugi. Take the insights and strategies shared here, hit the tables, and start mastering this fascinating game. Whether you’re playing for fun or aiming for WSOP glory, remember: in Badugi, every decision counts. Happy playing, and may your hands always be the lowest!
