Badugi Poker Strategy

Badugi is a variation on draw poker. The main differences are that there are three rounds of drawing and betting and players only use four cards. The game ignores high hands and uses rules similar to low ball poker. Badugi poker strategy has to incorporate card counting,watching for tells, and a little more luck than other poker games.

Hand Progression

In order to develop a solid Badugi poker strategy a player has to understand the progression of the hands and their value. The first round is played using a dealer button and big and small blinds. The button is followed in each round, but the blinds are only paid once per hand. After the blinds are paid, each players is dealt four cards. This is followed by a round of betting. Each player then has the chance to draw up to four cards or stand pat. Another round of betting ensues and the whole process repeats for three draws.

1st Round Strategy

Since this is lowball poker at its best, you will want to discard so that you will only have one card of each suit. Make sure to eliminate any pairs or better. You don't have to worry about straights since you only have four cards. Remember that aces are always played as low. Hold them at every draw opportunity unless you pair up. You should bet conservatively this round.

2nd Round Strategy

This round needs to be played a lot like the first round. Here is where your position in the betting order begins to come into play. The last person to bet has the advantage of watching the others in play. Pay close attention to the number of cards the each drew the last round. You might want to only call this round, but be prepared to bet in the 3rd round.

3rd Round Strategy

By the third round most of the cards have been dealt out and you will get reshuffled cards from then on. If you do not have a viable badugi, you need to fold or check/fold during this round. The chance of hitting your cards is very limited. The first person to bet needs to really have a pat hand or get out in this round. The last bettor has the best seat in the house now. You will have a chance to pull a minor bluff from this spot because you can call with a powerful hand or bet heavily and then not take any cards on the draw. Players will not be able to tell the difference in your hand strength unless you have been taking 3 or more cards in the previous rounds. After the last draw if you do not have a good badugi-something unsuited that is less than a 7- you should fold because you will probably be throwing away your money. A 3 card hand will only win less than 25% of the time. The odds go down dramatically with the fewer usable cards you have.

The lowest hand wins. A,2,3,4 beats everything else. Since the suits are not given any priority, two people with identical hands will share the pot. A badugi always beats a 3 card, which always beats a 2 card, and so on. This may not be the only badugi poker strategy around, but it is great advice for a beginner.

Published Articles: http://www.gamblingstrategyguide.com/

By: Josh

For more info on Badugi poker please check out our Badugi poker strategy section.

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