Combo draws: when your draw is a favourite
A combo draw is a hand with two draws at once, usually a flush draw plus a straight draw. Some combo draws are so strong that they are favourites even against a made hand like an overpair.
Example
Section titled “Example”You hold 9♥8♥ on a flop of 7♥ 6♣ 2♥.
- Any heart makes a flush: 9 outs.
- Any 5 or 10 makes a straight. Two of those are hearts (already counted), so 6 more outs.
- Total: 15 outs.
With two cards to come, 15 outs hit about 54% of the time. All-in on this flop against A♠A♦, 9♥8♥ wins about 56% (it can also win with a pair of nines or eights). You’re the favourite.
How strong are different draws?
Section titled “How strong are different draws?”Equity on the flop against an overpair (A♠A♦), all-in, approximate:
| Draw | Outs | Equity vs AA |
|---|---|---|
| Flush draw only (K♥Q♥ on 7♥6♣2♥) | 9 | ~36% |
| Open-ended straight draw only (9♠8♠ on 7♥6♣2♦) | 8 | ~34% |
| Flush draw + open-ended straight draw | 15 | ~56% |
Against a set, the same combo draw still has about 40%, because some of your outs also improve the set to a full house.
Another strong combo: pair + flush draw, like A♥5♥ on 5♣ 9♥ 2♥ against K♠K♦: about 52%.
How to play combo draws
Section titled “How to play combo draws”- Bet and raise. You have two ways to win: your opponent folds now, or you hit. That’s fold equity plus equity.
- Getting all-in on the flop is often fine, even against strong hands.
- Watch your outs. If the board pairs or your flush card makes someone a higher flush, your outs may be “dirty”.
- Don’t slowcall to the river and miss value: aggression is what makes combo draws so profitable.
Learn the parts first: flush and straight draws, open-ended straight draws, gutshots and the rule of 2 and 4.
What is a combo draw in poker?
Section titled “What is a combo draw in poker?”A hand with two draws at once, usually a flush draw plus a straight draw.
How many outs does a flush draw plus open-ended straight draw have?
Section titled “How many outs does a flush draw plus open-ended straight draw have?”Usually 15 outs: 9 for the flush and 6 more for the straight.
Can a draw be a favourite against an overpair?
Section titled “Can a draw be a favourite against an overpair?”Yes. A 15-out combo draw like 9♥8♥ on 7♥6♣2♥ has about 56% equity against aces.
How should I play a combo draw?
Section titled “How should I play a combo draw?”Aggressively: bet and raise, because you win when your opponent folds or when you hit.