In the game Budagi each player is dealt four cards facedown for their eyes only. The idea of the game is to get four cards all of different suits. If at the end of the game you have four cards all with different suits then you have Badugi!

Firstly, the player to the left of the dealer will be forced to make a small bet (a blind). The next player to the left then has to make a big blind (a bet which doubles the first blind). The play then moves clockwise around table until each player has bet.

Now, each player is dealt their four cards. At this point each player can choose to call the blind (a bet equal to that of the big blind), raise the big blind (bet a higher amount) or fold. After the each player has made their decision, all players left in the game have the choice of being dealt replacement cards or sticking with what they have. At any round in the game a player can choose to do this. If a player chooses not to change a card(s) in a certain round and decides to do so in any other preceding rounds they are well within the rules.

At this point each player can now choose to call, raise or fold, depending on their current hand. If any one player makes a bet all players remaining must equal that bet before the game can continue.

The game now continues with each player making a choice about whether to replace any of their cards to their advantage. Another round of betting now occurs with each remaining player adhering to equal the highest bet made if they want to remain in the game.

Now each player makes the final decision as to whether or not to change any of their cards. This is preceded by the last betting round. Once again any player who wishes to remain in the game must equal the highest bet on the table.

Now comes time for each player to show their hand.

Firstly any cards which are the same suit as another card in the players hand must be discarded by the player. The hand which features the lowest number (Aces being low) is the winner.

Hands

• A four card hand will always beat a three card hand and the same applies as you go down.
• If two players both have the same number of cards the highest card in each hand is judged. The player who has the lowest card is the winner!
• If both players have the same number high card the score is taken from the second highest card.