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Download on Google Play- 2-6 players with a standard 52-card deck.
- Post small blind and big blind.
- Deal 4 cards face-down to each player.
- Bet, then draw (discard and replace any number of cards).
- Repeat the betting and drawing cycle three times.
- Final betting round, then showdown.
- Any four-card badugi beats any three-card hand.
- Lowest cards win; A-2-3-4 rainbow is the best hand.
Rules
Badugi is a draw poker variant of Korean origin where the goal is to make the lowest four-card hand with all different suits and no pairs. A perfect badugi — four unpaired cards of four different suits — beats any three-card or two-card hand. The game features triple draw mechanics and unique hand rankings unlike any other poker variant.
Objective
Make the lowest four-card hand with no pairs and no two cards of the same suit. The best possible hand is A-2-3-4 with all four suits represented.
Setup
- Players: 2 to 6 players.
- Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
- Blinds: Small blind and big blind are posted.
- Deal: Each player receives 4 cards face-down.
Gameplay
- First betting round: Betting begins with the player to the left of the big blind.
- First draw: Each player may discard any number of cards (zero to four) and receive replacements.
- Second betting round: Another round of betting occurs.
- Second draw: Players may draw again.
- Third betting round: Betting takes place again.
- Third draw: A final draw opportunity is given.
- Final betting round and showdown: After the last betting round, remaining players reveal their hands.
Scoring
- Badugi: A four-card hand with all different suits and no pairs. The lowest badugi wins.
- Three-card hand: If two cards share a suit or rank, the higher of the duplicated cards is removed, leaving a three-card hand.
- Hierarchy: Any four-card badugi beats any three-card hand, which beats any two-card hand.
- Comparison: Hands are compared from the highest card down; lower is better.
Variations
- Badacey: Combines Badugi with ace-to-five triple draw, splitting the pot between the best badugi and the best A-5 low hand.
- Badeucey: Combines Badugi with deuce-to-seven triple draw.
Tips and Strategies
- Starting with three low cards of different suits is a strong beginning — you only need one card to complete your badugi.
- Be cautious about breaking a three-card hand to draw for a badugi if your three-card hand is already strong.
- Pay attention to how many cards opponents draw — standing pat or drawing one usually indicates strength.
Tips & Strategy
The key decision in Badugi is whether to break a good three-card hand to draw for a badugi. Generally, draw for the badugi early and protect your three-card hand in later draw rounds.
Position is extremely valuable in Badugi because you can see how many cards opponents draw before acting. Standing pat with a weak badugi can be a powerful bluff when opponents are still drawing.
Trivia & Fun Facts
The name 'Badugi' comes from a Korean word for a spotted dog, referencing the multi-colored (multi-suited) nature of the ideal hand.
What does the name 'Badugi' refer to in Korean, and why is it associated with this game?
History & Culture
Badugi originated in South Korea and gained international recognition when it was added to online poker platforms in the mid-2000s and later to the WSOP schedule.
Badugi has introduced many Western poker players to Asian card game traditions and is now a respected fixture in mixed-game poker tournaments worldwide.
Variations & House Rules
Badacey splits the pot between the best badugi and the best ace-to-five low, while Badeucey pairs Badugi with deuce-to-seven triple draw for a challenging mixed-pot format.
For beginners, try playing with only two draws instead of three to speed up the game and simplify decisions.
