Badugi is a draw poker variant that stands apart from traditional hand rankings. Originating from Asia and gaining traction among poker purists, Badugi is played with four cards per player and aims for the lowest possible hand consisting of four different suits and ranks. Aces are low, and straights and flushes count against you, making 4-3-2-A of four different suits the best possible hand.
Each player has up to three draw rounds to improve their hand by discarding and drawing new cards. Betting occurs before the first draw and after each subsequent draw, similar to Triple Draw formats. What makes Badugi particularly engaging is the concept of “drawing clean”—chasing four low cards of different suits without duplicating values or suits.
Badugi is excellent for players who enjoy logic-heavy games with subtle psychological battles. Because most hands are incomplete Badugis (3-card or 2-card hands), the game revolves around interpreting draw behaviour, betting patterns, and knowing when to fold marginal hands. On our platform, Badugi is available with customizable blinds, cap systems, and seat configurations. For operators looking to diversify their offerings with niche but engaging variants, Badugi is a standout.