Learn Betting Strategy - Play Badugi

If you've not tried Badugi (at PokerStars), you're missing a good tool for improving you betting techniques. The variables in play are challenging to comprehend; yet one can improve their chances at applying pressure on the other players at the table by giving the impression one has Badugi and yet may only have 3-card hand. Try it; 'tis challenging.

I've played a little badugi and I love the game. There's dynamics that teach me about nlhe every time I play. I only play the freerolls but that's enough. I came in top 200 a few times now, never won. The games are just a lot more fun. I read an article Howard Ledderer wrote about how playing games outside your specialty improves skills within your specialty, and he's right. I'm not a good poker player and very far from a great one. People should try other games though, it teaches you things easier than if you stick to your one game.

The other off-beat games I enjoy are "2-7 Draw," "8-game," "5-card," and "Razz." I find these help me with focus and evaluating my own hand vice that proverbial "if wishes were horses" syndrome.

I win all my money playing NLHE then go and lose it all playing badugi :O

I wouldn't try this too early in the tournament, especially in a freeroll, where nobody folds. It also helps to gain some credibility having a few 4-card badugi hand showdowns under your belt before attempting this bluff. Also, I'd only do this from mid to late position where 1) your opponents have drawn at least 2 cards and 2) if 1 opponent has drawn just 1 card, he is in front of you, and checked to you.

Not sure this is considered good strategy, (it probably is, and this goes for any position) ...but if dealt a 3 card all-low hand, I like a min - 1/2 pot raise. Just how much depends on how many in the hand, position, how many cards they are drawing, reads on playing style, etc. The obvious purpose is building a pot when you hit. But you also want to make a pot sized bet uncallable should a good bluffing opportunity arise after the 2nd or 3rd draw. I would never bluff pre-flop or even after the 1st draw. Drawing the 1 card and hitting is more believable than being dealt a 4 card Badugi that is lower than what your opponents may be drawing to.