An exciting version of triple draw poker that is sweeping the best online poker sites and gaming communities is Badugi poker, which is a lowball draw poker game with a distinct difference – player’s hands are made with only four cards that comprise the “worst” possible poker hand (as compared to traditional poker hands).  Badugi can be a fun alternative to many of the games out there, and many people find that once they master the art of Badugi, this quickly becomes their favorite (and most profitable) poker game.  Let’s look at some strategies for playing Badugi that can increase your bankroll and elevate your poker playing bragging rights.

Learn Badugi Rules

As with any game of poker, learning the rules is the first part of a well-rounded strategy to be the best at a particular game; Badugi is no different.  Because the playing style of Badugi is so dissimilar from other poker games, it is important that you have a thorough working knowledge of the Badugi rules in order to play at your best level.  Many rules that govern the game of Badugi are just like those that are used for triple draw poker games in general, but there are many regulations that are strictly designed for Badugi play.  For example, a “true Badugi” hand is called a “Badugi” and is made of four cards (ace, two, three, and four) each of a separate suit.  This is just one of the multiple twists in store for those who are interested in becoming exemplary Badugi players.

Learn to Calculate Your Badugi Hand

As you learn more about Badugi, you’ll come to realize that it is virtually improbable that you will create a great Badugi hand unless you know how to quickly calculate Badugi hand values – simply because you won’t know which cards to hold and which to throw unless you can score appropriately on the fly.  The least complicated manner to score your Badugi hand is to convert the hand into a number.  For example, a “true Badugi” made up of ace, two, three, and four is converted over to 4,321 (just turn it backward).  A hand holding an ace, three, six and seven would convert to 7,631.  Because 7,632 is more than the calculated score for the “true Badugi” – the lower score is the winner.

Badugi Poker Positioning

Although no one can sit in the same seat all the time as the deal moves around the table, players can learn to adapt their playing style for the position that they hold at the table – not just for Badugi, but for any poker variant.  Learn the advantages and disadvantages of playing in each position as it relates to the dealer. For example, if you are the player who is lucky enough to be playing a round of Badugi poker in late position (acting last or near last position), you will know much more about the contents of the hands your opposition is holding – and you’ll also get to observe the various poker “tells” that they exude when their turn comes around.  Each position around the Badugi (or any other poker table) has its own advantages and disadvantages – and with experience you can pick up on those.