Badugi Poker is gaining ground like Texas Hold’em did in the beginning, but until the hysteria surrounding Hold’em dies down there isn’t much room for Badugi yet. If it was given a bit more coverage it would be interesting to see how everyone adapts to the online version of this game which is a favourite in Asia.
The object of this poker game is to hold the best low hand of four cards. The best hand for a Badugi is to have the A-2-3-4 off suit and then you would have what is called a Badugi. To begin everyone is dealt four cards before the first round of betting begins.
After the first round of betting, players are given the opportunity to draw zero to four cards to improve their hand and then the round of betting continues. This game is more complicated than Texas Hold’em, in part because you must keep in mind that a winning hand constitutes the lowest possible hand.
A player has the opportunity to make the best possible hand over a period of three draws. The best way to learn this game or any new poker game is to jump right in and try it out for yourself! You can play a limit game, a pot limit game or join in on a half pot limit game.
For experienced poker players who hop in an out of a variety of different poker games, Badugi will offer a thrilling game with a new spin on things. It is a game where psychology and poker meet. This is a game of acquired skill, and it probably will not be fun for the players that have a difficult time picking up a new game.
It’s coming to a card room near you, so prepare yourself for Badugi Poker!
