Badugi is a lowball poker game that is becoming increasingly popular in the poker community. The game is unique in that it uses four cards instead of the standard five-card hand used in most poker games. In this article, we’ll go over the rules of Badugi and how to play the game.
The objective of Badugi is to make the lowest possible hand using four cards of different suits. A hand with four different suits is called a “Badugi”, and is the best possible hand in the game. If a player cannot make a Badugi, the next best hand is a three-card hand, followed by a two-card hand, and then a one-card hand.
The game begins with each player receiving four cards face down. Betting then begins with the player to the left of the dealer. In Badugi, the player with the lowest card showing must begin the betting. If two or more players have the same lowest card, the player closest to the dealer button will begin the betting.
After the first round of betting, players have the option to discard any number of their cards and receive new ones. The dealer will then deal replacement cards face down to each player who discarded cards. The second round of betting then begins, starting with the player to the left of the dealer.
Once the second round of betting is complete, a third and final round of discards and betting takes place. Players can discard and receive new cards once again, and then a final round of betting takes place.
Once all betting is complete, players reveal their hands. The player with the lowest Badugi hand wins the pot. If two or more players have the same Badugi hand, the lowest card in their hand determines the winner. If two or more players have the same lowest card, the second-lowest card is used to determine the winner, and so on.
One of the key strategies in Badugi is to be patient and selective about the hands you choose to play. With only four cards, it can be difficult to make a strong hand, and players must be prepared to fold if their hand is not looking good. It’s also important to keep track of the cards that have been discarded, as this can give you valuable information about the cards that are still in play.
In conclusion, Badugi is a fun and challenging variant of poker that offers a unique twist on traditional poker games. With its focus on making the lowest possible hand using four cards of different suits, the game requires a different type of strategy and thinking than other poker games. By mastering the rules of Badugi and developing a solid strategy, players can improve their chances of winning and take their game to the next level.
