What Does Badugi Mean in Poker?
Badugi is a poker variant that uses four cards instead of the traditional five. The objective is to make the lowest hand possible with one card of each suit. Straights and pairs are undesirable, and the best possible hand is A-2-3-4 of different suits.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Badugi
Badugi is often discussed in mixed games or when players are looking for a lowball variant with a unique twist, often played in home games or online poker rooms that offer a variety of poker formats.
In-Game Example
You are dealt 4, 3, 2, A. Your goal is to avoid pairing these cards or drawing cards of the same suit to achieve the best Badugi hand.
Strategy / Tips
- Best Practice: Aim to draw to a four-card Badugi early, and be aggressive when you have a strong hand.
- Common Mistake: Holding onto pairs or suited cards too long, hoping to improve on later streets.
- Pro Tips: Pay attention to opponent’s draws; if they stand pat, they likely have a strong hand.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online play often features faster games and more opponents, requiring quick decision-making, while live play might allow for better read through physical tells.
Alternative Names
There are no widely recognized alternative names for Badugi, as it is already a unique variant within lowball poker games.
FAQs
- Q: What is the best possible hand in Badugi?
A: The best hand is A-2-3-4 with each card of a different suit.
