If you have decided to join in the new Badugi poker craze, then you might just find yourself in need of tips. Almost every online casino offers this form of poker these days, as it can be very fun and addictive. Even if you understand the basics, you will find a few tips to be very helpful. It is an easy game to learn, but not always to play. The next time you do play, try keeping these tips in mind and hopefully you will come out as a winner:
• If you are still somewhat new, then you may want to avoid no-limit games. For the time being, stick with limit or half-pot limit. Once you start getting the hang of the game and winning more, you can move on to no-limit. No-limit Badugi games should only be played with the strongest hands and you will find yourself fighting for fortune at showdown. Obviously, you will want to only stay in the game if you have VERY good cards.
• Speaking of cards, make sure you really understand the hand rankings. Do not forget that you cannot use matching cards in Badugi. Many players sometimes forget this fact. For example, if you end up with 8c7c4h2s, then your hand is 8c4h2s. You cannot use two cards of the same suit.
• With your starting hands, try to decide whether you want to put money into the pot, get out early, or try keeping your chip stack up. If you have two cards of four or lower (including an ace) and from different suits, then you can move on. If you have three off-suit cards of seven or less, you can also move on. You should only fold if you get any other starting hands than these.
• During the first and second draw phases, you should have a good hand that includes at least three, off-suit cards, each preferably seven or below. If you do not, then you may want to consider folding UNLESS all the other players check. Hopefully, your luck will hold up and the other players are not bluffing.
• During the third draw and final hand, you should have four cards under eight, hopefully off-suit. If so, then you can pretty much get away with calling, raising, or re-raising---anything that needs to be done in order to win. You should be cautions, however, if you suspect that another player might have a Badugi.
• You should always take bluffing into consideration when playing Badugi poker. It needs to be done with care though, and you should not do it too often. The best time to bluff is during the first and second drawing phase. During the first phase, other players will not be all that committed to the pot, so you can try to use that to your advantage. During the second drawing phase, you can semi-bluff if you have any four cards of different suits.
Use this guide to help you and hopefully you will start winning more at Badugi poker! Just make sure you understand the hand rankings, and do not stay in the game unless you have decent cards, as mentioned above. Also, do not bluff unless you think you can pull it off successfully.
