How to Play Badugi
A four-card low draw game where every card must have a different rank and suit to make a complete Badugi.
Learn the rules ↓What is Badugi?
Make the lowest four-card hand with four different ranks and suits; A-2-3-4 rainbow is best.
Badugi is a distinct lowball draw game with a four-card ranking system, not just a four-card version of 2-7.
Dealer, forced bets & starting cards
Four cards are dealt down. A betting round precedes each of three draws, and a final betting round follows the third.
Forced bets: Small blind and big blind. Deck: Standard 52-card deck.
Betting rounds & legal actions
Betting schedule: 4 betting rounds, 3 draws. When action reaches you, fold, check if no bet is pending, bet, call, or raise within the table's betting limits. An all-in wager is possible when your remaining stack is smaller than a full bet; side pots can result.
Betting limits: Usually fixed-limit. Always confirm the posted stake and raise rules before play.
Showdown & pot award
A four-card Badugi beats any three-card hand. Within the same card count, compare low cards from highest downward; aces are low and straights are ignored.
See the rule at the table.
A♠ 2♥ 3♦ 4♣ is the best Badugi. A♠ 2♠ 3♦ 4♣ has two spades and can count only its best three-card combination.
The mistake to avoid
Using ordinary five-card high rankings or believing a low four-card hand with repeated suits is complete.
A sound starting approach
Prioritize unique suits and ranks. Opponents' draw counts help estimate whether their hands are complete, but a pat hand can still be beaten.
Venue and format variations
Pot-limit Badugi also exists. Draw-deck and betting procedures depend on the room.
Game mechanics, tournament procedures, and local house rules are different layers. Poker TDA publishes tournament procedures; the table operator's posted game rules decide the exact version you play.
Follow one hand, step by step.
Post blinds and deal four private cards.
This fixed sequence teaches the deal and betting order. It does not simulate an actual hand.
Check your understanding.
QUESTION 1 / 2What makes a complete Badugi?
Read the correct chart.
First compare how many cards form a hand with distinct ranks and suits. A four-card Badugi beats every three-card hand; lower ranks win within the same size.
- A♠2♥3♦4♣Best BadugiFour unique suits and ranks, ace low.
- A♠2♥3♦9♣Higher BadugiComplete, but loses to a four-high Badugi.
- A♠2♠3♦4♣Three-card handTwo spades prevent a four-card Badugi.
Frequently asked questions
What cards and deck does Badugi use?
Standard 52-card deck. Cards received over the hand: 4; community cards: 0.
How is the pot awarded?
A four-card Badugi beats any three-card hand. Within the same card count, compare low cards from highest downward; aces are low and straights are ignored.
Which rules should I check at a real table?
Pot-limit Badugi also exists. Draw-deck and betting procedures depend on the room. Confirm the venue's betting limits, forced bets, and tournament or cash-game procedures.
Related poker terms
Continue exploring
Playing this game in a tournament? Explore tournament formats and rules ↗
Source documents
These original explanations were reviewed 2026-10-15. The linked organizations publish the underlying rules; Flawless Poker is an educational guide, not an official ruling body.
- PokerStars Badugi rules ↗Published room game rules