Open-ended straight draws: how to play them
An open-ended straight draw (OESD) is four connected cards that can make a straight at either end. Example: you hold 9-8 on a 7-6-2 flop — a 10 or a 5 completes your straight. That’s 8 outs, twice as many as a gutshot.
The numbers
Section titled “The numbers”| Chance | |
|---|---|
| Flop → turn | About 17% |
| Turn → river | About 17.4% |
| Flop → river (both cards) | About 31.5% |
Double gutshot
Section titled “Double gutshot”Some hands have two inside draws that add up to 8 outs too — for example J-9 on a K-10-7 flop: a Q or an 8 makes a straight. Double gutshots are hidden and play like open-enders.
Combo draws
Section titled “Combo draws”An OESD plus a flush draw has about 15 outs — often a favourite against one pair. These hands can bet and raise aggressively. See playing draws and semi-bluff.
How to play an OESD
Section titled “How to play an OESD”- In position: calling is often fine; take free cards when offered.
- As the aggressor: semi-bluff with a c-bet or a raise — you can win now or improve.
- Against big bets: check the pot odds. A pot-sized bet on the turn needs 33% equity — more than 17%, so you need implied odds or fold equity.
Pitfalls
Section titled “Pitfalls”- Flush boards: if two or three cards of one suit are out, some of your outs may give someone a flush. Count fewer “clean” outs.
- Paired boards: your straight can lose to a full house.
- The low end: with 5-4 on 7-6-2, an 8 gives you an 8-high straight, but anyone with 10-9 or 9-5 makes a higher one. Prefer drawing to the nuts. See the nuts.
What is an open-ended straight draw?
Section titled “What is an open-ended straight draw?”Four connected cards that can complete a straight at either end, giving 8 outs.
How often does an open-ended straight draw hit by the river?
Section titled “How often does an open-ended straight draw hit by the river?”About 31.5% from the flop.
What is a double gutshot?
Section titled “What is a double gutshot?”A hand with two inside straight draws, also 8 outs, like J-9 on K-10-7.
How many outs does an OESD with a flush draw have?
Section titled “How many outs does an OESD with a flush draw have?”About 15, which often makes it a favourite against one pair.