The present invention relates to a method of controlling an internal-combustion engine comprising at least one cylinder (10) with at least one burnt gas exhaust means (12) including an exhaust valve (16) whose opening/closing is controlled by control means (22) and an exhaust pipe (14) connected to an exhaust line (18, 20), at least two intake means (26, 28) comprising each a valve (32, 36) whose opening/closing is controlled by a dedicated actuating means (46, 48) and a pipe (30, 34). The method, during low load or medium load running of the engine: controls the closed position of exhaust valve (16) and controls one (36) of the intake valves so as to operate it as a burnt gas discharge valve.