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Get ready to dive into the thrill of Badugi poker, a fast-rising poker variant that's taking the global poker scene by storm! This lowball poker game offers an adrenaline rush like no other, making it a must-learn for poker enthusiasts. So, strap in and get ready to master the rules, hand rankings, and strategies of this action-packed game.
The Origins of Badugi
Though its exact birthplace is shrouded in mystery, Badugi's name sounds like the South Korean term baduk, meaning black and white pattern, suggesting a connection to the game Go. Alternatively, some argue that it originated in Vegas, thanks to poker pro Paul Eskimo Clark, who is said to have brought the game back from his military stint in Vietnam. Regardless of its history, one thing's for sure—Badugi is now a beloved poker variant across the globe[2].
What Makes Badugi Special?
At its core, Badugi is a four-card draw game that bears resemblance to other draw games like 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball. Its unique charm lies in the Badugi hand-ranking system, which differs significantly from traditional poker games[2][4]. In Badugi, players aim for the lowest four-card hand, so the goal is to acquire a four-card deck with the worst possible cards.
The hand ranking in Badugi involves eliminating pairs, straights, and flushes. So if you end up with A-2-3-4 of different suits, you've got yourself the best possible hand. Hand rankings in Badugi follow traditional poker rankings, with the lowest four-card hand taking the prize[4].
Hand Rankings in Badugi
In Badugi, straights are non-existent. Aces are always low and any duplicated suit will only count the lowest card. If you have a pair, only one of those cards will count towards your hand ranking.
The most coveted hand in Badugi is called Badugi, which consists of four unpaired cards of different suits. If two players have the same Badugi hand, the one with the lowest high card wins[4].
Following Badugi is the three-card hand/unsuited card, which features a fourth card that is either suited or pairs with the other three cards. In the example 8♥, 6♥, 5♣, 4♦, since there are two hearts, only one of them counts, making the hand 6♥, 5♣, 4♦[4].
Next up is the two-card hand containing just two playable cards, where the others are duplicated by suit or rank. A hand of 3♠️ 5♥ 5♣️ Q♠️ beats A♠️ 4♠️ 6♠️ 6♣️, as a two-card hand of 3-5 beats a-6[4].
Finally, there's the one-card hand that occurs when none of the four cards are duplicated by suit or rank, making only the two lowest cards usable[4].
The Rules of Badugi
As a blinds game, Badugi involves the player left of the dealer setting the small blind, and the player next to them contributing the big blind. After the hole cards are dealt clockwise, players take turns betting, starting with the small blind[4].
After the first round of betting, the players enter the first drawing round, where they have the opportunity to discard and draw new cards to improve their hand. The process continues with betting rounds and drawing rounds until there's only one player remaining or the players have completed the betting round after the third drawing round[4].
Strategy in Badugi
Playing draw poker variants like Badugi or 2-7 Triple Draw means that players can't rely on community cards or opponents' betting sizes to determine their hands. To succeed, you'll need a solid strategy.
Pay attention to your opponents' draws, as they can provide valuable insights. A player drawing one card is likely to have a good three-card hand, while a player drawing two is working on a two-card hand, which means they still have several cards to improve[4].
If a player needs three or four cards, their hand is likely weak and they're relying heavily on luck. A standing pat indicates extreme strength or a willingness to bluff.
Remember the importance of position, as a late-position player can benefit from acting after all others have bet, while also drawing last[4].
With Badugi poker on the rise, now is the perfect time to learn the game and join the action. For more tips, tricks, and strategies on poker variants and hand rankings, check out the CoinPoker blog.
To put your newly acquired skills to the test, download CoinPoker and take advantage of our diverse lobbies, rakebacks, promotions, and tournaments[4]!
- Badugi, originally named after the South Korean term baduk, is a poker variant that bears resemblance to other draw games like 2-7 Triple Draw Lowball.
- Ace, being low, and any duplicated suit in a Badugi hand will only count the lowest card, making the hand more complex and unique compared to traditional poker games.
- In Badugi poker, the hand ranking system involves aiming for the lowest four-card hand, as players are looked to acquire a four-card deck with the worst possible cards.
- A standalone casino game like Badugi poker can now be found across numerous casinos around the world, offering poker enthusiasts a fresh, adrenaline-pumping experience.
