Seven-card stud · Razz and Badugi split
Razzdugi rules and beginner guide.
Razzdugi combines the seven-card stud structure of Razz with Badugi hand ranking. Half the pot goes to the best five-card ace-to-five low and half to the best four-card Badugi that can be selected from the seven cards.
How to play
The objective, deal, and showdown
Winning objective
Make the best A-5 Razz low and the best four-card Badugi. Aces are low on both sides; A-2-3-4-5 is the nut Razz hand and A-2-3-4 in four different suits is the nut Badugi.
Deal and drawing
Players ante and receive two cards down and one up, followed by three additional upcards and a final downcard. The highest door card brings in, the lowest visible low acts first later, and betting normally uses fixed limits.
Key comparison
There is normally no qualifier for either half. Card count comes first for Badugi, so any four-card Badugi beats every three-card Badugi even if the three-card ranks are lower.
Strategy foundation
What to notice before playing
Ranks and suits both stay live
Low, unpaired ranks build the Razz side, while four different suits are required for a complete Badugi. Track both dimensions on every exposed board.
Aces help both halves
Unlike the deuce-to-seven hybrids, an ace is the best rank for both Razz and Badugi. Smooth low rainbow cards offer the strongest scoop foundation.
Read every exposed suit
An opponent can show a smooth Razz board yet have duplicated suits that limit the Badugi. The visible cards provide clues about both halves.
Common mistakes
Avoid these beginner leaks
- Comparing Badugi high cards before checking how many cards actually play.
- Ignoring duplicated suits because the Razz ranks look strong.
- Assuming the same four or five cards must be used for both halves.
- Continuing for only half while an opponent’s board has clear scoop potential.
FAQ
Quick answers
Can all seven cards be considered for the Badugi?
Yes. Choose the best four-card Badugi available from the full seven-card holding; the Razz half separately uses its best five cards.
Does a three-card Badugi still compete?
Yes, if nobody makes a four-card Badugi. However, every complete four-card Badugi ranks above every three-card hand.