Learn to Play Badugi Poker

Badugi is a poker game that originated in Asia and is unlike any other form of poker. The unique hand rankings of Badugi make it a fun and interesting game to play and it is sure to break up the routine of playing the same poker games day after day.

There are three main poker variations: Flop games like Texas Hold’em, Stud games, and Draw games. Badugi is a Draw game which means that players will have an option to exchange some or all of their cards in hopes of improving their hands.

The goal of Badugi is different than any other poker game. Players are attempting to create hands that consist of all cards being different ranks and different suits. Unlike most other poker games, Badugi hands are made up of four cards (instead of the usual five), and the best low Badugi hand will win.

Before learning the rules of Badugi, it is important to learn how the hands are ranked. Please see the Badugi section of the poker hand rankings page to get familiar with the order.

How to Play Badugi

If you are playing in a full Badugi game, there will typically be six players seated at the table. A circular marker, called the dealer button, sits in front of one player and is moved clockwise around the table after each hand is completed.

Before a hand begins, the player who is seated to the immediate left of the dealer button is forced to post a small blind and the player to their left posts a big blind. These blinds help create a pot and establish the size of the minimum bet during the first betting round. The big blind is usually about double the size of the small blind.

Each player receives four cards face down, called hole cards or down cards. The action begins with the player who is sitting to the left of the big blind. They have the option to call the amount of the big blind, raise to a larger amount, or fold their hand. Play continues clockwise until every player has acted, with the players seated in the blinds having the last option during this betting round.

First Draw

Once the initial betting round is complete, the first draw takes place. Players may exchange any or all of their cards for new ones in an attempt to create a better hand. If a player choses to keep all of their original cards, it is called ‘standing pat’.

Second and Third Draw

Another round of betting ensues, followed by another draw. Then, players must act again and draw one last time before the final round of betting. Once the action is complete, the players compare hands in what is called a Showdown to see who holds the strongest Badugi hand. The pot is awarded, or split if there is a tie, and the button is moved before the next hand begins.

Badugi Betting Structure

Badugi is played as a Limit game at PokerStars. The limits depend on what size game you are playing. If you are playing in a $5/$10 game, the small bet is $5 and the big bet is $10. Usually the big blind is the same size as the small bet (for instance, $5 in a $5/$10 game). In the first two betting rounds (before and immediately following the first draw), players can wager small bets, and big bets are made in all subsequent betting rounds.

Typically only four bets are allowed per betting round, which means if one player bets and there are three raises, the pot is ‘capped’ and there is no more betting until the next round.

Play Badugi on PokerStars

You can give this fascinating game a try at the PokerStars play money tables and play for free. Once you get comfortable with the game, challenge yourself at the real money Badugi tables. Download the free PokerStars software and start playing Badugi.