How to Play Baduci Poker: Rules, Hand Rankings & Split Pot Format

    Baduci (also spelled Baducy) is a creative split-pot poker variant that combines the lowball mechanics of 2-7 Triple Draw with the unique hand-building of Badugi. The pot is split between the best Badugi hand and the best 2-7 low hand. It’s part of many high-stakes mixed game rotations and offers double the puzzle per hand.
    How to Play Baduci Poker: Rules, Hand Rankings & Split Pot Format

    What Is Baduci?

    Baduci, also known as Badeucy, or Badeucey, is a draw poker game where each player is dealt 5 hole cards. After up to three draw rounds, the pot is split between:
    • The best Badugi (4-card hand with all unique suits and ranks)
    • The best 2-7 lowball hand (lowest unpaired five-card hand, straights and flushes are bad)
    Both halves are played using the same 5-card hand, so each draw impacts both outcomes.

    Basic Rules of Badeucy

    Game Format

    • 2 to 6 players
    • 5 hole cards per player
    • Up to 3 draw rounds
    • Fixed-limit betting structure is standard
    • Pot is split 50/50: half to best Badugi, half to best 2-7 low

    Game Flow

    • Deal: Each player gets 5 cards
    • First betting round
    • First draw: discard 0–5 cards
    • Second betting round
    • Second draw
    • Third betting round
    • Third draw
    • Final betting round
    • Showdown and pot split

    Note

    Draw order follows action clockwise from the dealer. All draws are simultaneous in live games.

    How the Pot Is Split

    Badugi Half

    • Best Badugi hand wins this portion
    • A Badugi is made of 4 cards, all different suits and different ranks
    • Fewer than 4 cards counts as a 3-, 2-, or 1-card Badugi
    • Lowest Badugi wins: A-2-3-4 of different suits is ideal

    2-7 Lowball Half

    • Best 2-7 low hand wins this portion
    • Aces are high (A is a bad card)
    • Straights and flushes count against you
    • Best hand is 7-5-4-3-2, no flush, no pair

    Example Winning Hands

    • Badugi: 4♦3♠2♥A♣(four different suits, low ranks)
    • 2-7 Low:7♠5♦4♣3♥2♦(no pair, no flush, ace not used)

    Hand Rankings in Baduci

    Badugi Rankings

    • 4-card Badugi is best
    • Ranked by highest card (lower is better)
    • Duplicate suits or pairs reduce it to a 3- or 2-card Badugi

    2-7 Lowball Rankings

    • Hands ranked from worst (paired, high cards, straights/flushes) to best
    • Aces are high
    • Best hand: 7-5-4-3-2 rainbow

    Betting Structure

    Fixed-Limit Format (Standard)

    Played with small and big bets, similar to limit Hold’em
    Four betting rounds:
    • Pre-draw
    • After 1st draw
    • After 2nd draw
    • After 3rd draw
    Action starts left of the big blind

    Betting Round Tips (Rules Context)

    • Each draw round is followed by a betting round
    • Bluffing is rare due to visible patterns in draws
    • Pot can be scooped if one player wins both halves

    Showdown Rules

    Showdown Timing

    • After final betting round
    • Players reveal full 5-card hand
    • Evaluate both halves: Badugi and 2-7 low

    Scooping the Pot

    • If one player wins both Badugi and 2-7 Low, they win the entire pot
    • Otherwise, pot is split evenly

    Where to Play Baduci Online

    Real Money Sites

    • PokerStars – In mixed-game formats or HORSE+
    • SwC Poker – offers Baducy as cash game and tournament
    • PokerBros / PPPoker – Club tables with custom draw variants

    Play Money or Home Game Options

    • Replay Poker – Mixed games may include Baduci
    • Donkhouse / Poker Now – Great for setting up mixed formats manually
    • Private home games with mixed dealers’ choice

    Final Takeaway

    Baduci is a mentally challenging and rewarding split-pot game that combines two different forms of lowball poker. With three draw rounds and two hands to build, players must constantly weigh decisions that may benefit one side but hurt the other. If you enjoy thinking in layers and playing draw formats, Baduci is a great addition to your mixed game toolkit.

    FAQs: Baduci Poker Rules

    What’s the difference between Baduci and Badugi?

    Baduci adds a second win condition — the 2-7 lowball hand. You’re building two hands from the same five cards.

    Can you win both halves of the pot?

    If you have both the best Badugi and the best 2-7 low hand, you scoop the entire pot.

    How many draws do you get?

    Three. Players may discard and draw up to five cards each time.

    Are Aces high or low?

    Aces are low in Badugi, but high in 2-7 lowball — so they help one hand and hurt the other.

    Is Baduci a limit or pot-limit game?

    Typically fixed-limit, but some private or online games may use pot-limit.