The Three Most Common Draw Types
Flush Draw
You have four cards to a suit and need one more.
Open-Ended Straight Draw
You can complete a straight with two different ranks (8 outs).
Example: 6-7 on a 8-9 flop. You hit a 5 or 10.
Gutshot Straight Draw
You need one specific rank (4 outs).
Example: 6-7 on a 8-10 flop. You need a 9.
The big mistake is treating these draws as equally strong. They are not.
If you want the full foundation first, start with Online Poker Guide: Rules, Strategy & Tips. This article shows you how to play the three most common draws—flush draws, open-ended straight draws, and gutshots—without donating chips.
Step 1: Count Outs (But Don’t Lie To Yourself)
Typical outs:
- Flush draw: 9 outs
- Open-ended straight draw: 8 outs
- Gutshot: 4 outs
But some outs are not “clean.”
Dirty Outs (When Hitting Doesn’t Guarantee You Win)
Examples:
- you make a low flush, but villain can have a higher flush
- the board pairs and full houses become possible
- you hit your straight but complete a flush for the opponent too
Beginner rule:
- If the board is paired or very wet, treat your outs as less reliable.
Step 2: Estimate Your Equity Fast (Rule Of 2 And 4)
You don’t need exact math.
- On the flop (two cards to come): outs × 4
- On the turn (one card to come): outs × 2
Quick estimates:
- Flush draw (9 outs): ~36% by river, ~18% on turn→river
- Open-ender (8 outs): ~32% by river, ~16% on turn→river
- Gutshot (4 outs): ~16% by river, ~8% on turn→river
Step 3: Compare Equity To Pot Odds (The Real Decision)
This is where most draw mistakes happen.
If the price is good, calling is fine.
If the price is bad, you fold—even if “you might hit.”
If you want the full pot-odds breakdown with examples, revisit Understanding Pot Odds And How To Use Them Effectively.
Quick Reminder Table
- Need ~33% equity? You need about 2:1 pot odds
- Need ~25% equity? You need about 3:1 pot odds
- Need ~20% equity? You need about 4:1 pot odds
You’re not trying to be perfect. You’re trying to stop calling in clearly losing spots.
Flush Draw Strategy (The Most Common Draw)
Flush draws are strong because they have decent equity and can win big pots.
When To Call With A Flush Draw
Call when:
- pot odds are good
- your flush will likely be the best flush (higher cards)
- you’re in position
- stacks are deep enough to win more when you hit
When To Be Careful
Be careful when:
- you have a low flush draw (e.g., 7-high flush draw)
- the board is paired (full house risk)
- opponent is very tight and betting big (often value)
When Raising Can Be Best (Semi-Bluff)
Raising can be good when:
- you have fold equity (opponent can fold)
- you have a strong draw if called
- you’re heads-up, not multiway
- the board favors your range
Semi-bluffing is often cleaner than calling because you can win now or later.
Open-Ended Straight Draw Strategy
Open-enders have solid equity and are great for semi-bluffing too.
Good Spots To Continue
- heads-up pots
- you’re in position
- the board isn’t paired and doesn’t create too many better draws
- opponent’s bet sizing gives you a fair price
Watch For “Straight Over Straight” Traps
If the board is very connected (like 9-10-J), your straight may not be the nuts. Be cautious when:
- your straight is low
- the board can create higher straights
- the opponent is betting big into scary textures
Gutshot Strategy (Where Beginners Spew)
Gutshots feel cheap and tempting, but they’re usually not worth chasing.
When Gutshots Are Worth Continuing
- you’re getting a very good price (small bet into big pot)
- you have extra equity (overcards, backdoor flush draw)
- you’re in position
- you can win more when you hit (implied odds)
When To Fold Gutshots
Fold when:
- the bet is large
- you’re out of position
- you have no extra equity
- villain is unlikely to pay you off
A pure gutshot facing a big bet is one of the clearest folds in poker.
Position Changes Everything For Draws
Being in position makes draws more profitable because:
- you control pot size
- you can take free cards when checked to
- you can choose bluff spots more intelligently
- you can avoid paying off big turn/river bets blindly
Out of position, draws become harder to play because you face pressure and lose control.
Implied Odds: When You Can Win More Than The Pot
Sometimes pot odds alone don’t justify a call, but implied odds do.
Example:
- you call with a flush draw because you expect to win a big river bet when you hit
But implied odds has a warning:
- if your draw is not to the nuts, reverse implied odds can crush you
Beginner safe approach:
- chase strong draws, especially nut draws
- avoid chasing weak draws out of position
Common Draw Mistakes To Avoid
- calling big bets with weak draws
- overvaluing gutshots
- ignoring dirty outs
- chasing out of position without a plan
- never semi-bluffing (too passive)
- semi-bluffing into calling stations (they don’t fold)
Your goal is to be disciplined:
- call when the price is right
- fold when it’s not
- raise when you can win now and still have equity when called
Quick Takeaways
- Count outs and use Rule of 2 and 4 for fast equity estimates
- Compare equity to pot odds before calling
- Flush draws and open-enders are strong; gutshots are usually weak
- Position makes draws easier and more profitable
- Semi-bluffing can be better than calling in good spots
- Be cautious with dirty outs and non-nut draws
Mini FAQ
Should I Always Chase A Flush Draw?
No. Chase it when the price is right, you have clean outs, and you can win more when you hit.
Are Gutshots Ever Worth It?
Yes, when the bet is small, you’re in position, and you have extra equity or implied odds.
Should I Raise My Draws?
Sometimes. Raising works best when your opponent can fold and you still have strong equity if called.
Where To Go Next
You’ve now learned how to play draws with discipline instead of hope, which makes your calls and bluffs much cleaner online.
If you want to reinforce this, the best next move is to learn one of the most profitable “pressure tools” that connects directly to draw play and board texture: continuation betting and how to respond to it as a caller—especially when you have a draw.
Continue with Common Mistakes New Online Poker Players Make.
