Badugi Mistakes: Making Inconsistent Drawing and Betting Decisions

The mistake:

Usually you’re expected to bet when a card ahead, and check to an opponent who is a card ahead. But some players check their weaker hands even when a card ahead, and will bet when improving to a strong hand even when they can expect their opponent to bet. This makes their hands extremely easy to read.

How to tell when your opponents are making this mistake:

They miss bets which are automatic, and make bets in unexpected situations, especially when a very strong hand should be checkraising.

How to exploit an opponent who makes this mistake:

Attack his weakness and give extra credit to his strength. Be aware that a player who checks in a situation where he has drawn one and you have drawn two has almost never improved. On the other hand, when he bets, he’s very likely to be pat or at least have a very strong three-card hand, and you should consider giving up the hand. A player who pats on the second draw and then checks against an opponent who draws one can often be bet or snowed off his hand. In all situations, you can value bet usually-marginal hands with great confidence. When he is betting, you should usually be unwilling to chase, because his range will be very strong.

Meanwhile, take advantage of the free draws he gives you to make strong hands more often.

Counterexploits to watch for:

Mixing bluffs and snows liberally into his hand range can be a very powerful strategy for this player, making up for value bets that he loses by picking up pots that he doesn’t deserve. Fortunately very few of them are aware of this. If you do run into one, start by showing down more often against him. It’s very important to figure out his bluffing frequency and respond appropriately.