How to play draws in poker: flush and straight draws
A draw is a hand that isn’t made yet but can improve to a strong hand, usually a flush or straight. Good players count their outs, compare their chances with the pot odds, and often bet or raise strong draws instead of just calling.
Common draws
Section titled “Common draws”| Draw | Example | Outs | Flop → river | Turn → river |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flush draw | A♥ 7♥ on K♥ 9♥ 2♣ | 9 | 35% | 20% |
| Open-ended straight draw | 9-8 on 7-6-2 | 8 | 32% | 17% |
| Gutshot | 9-8 on J-7-2 | 4 | 17% | 9% |
| Combo draw (flush + straight) | 9♥ 8♥ on 7♥ 6♥ 2♣ | 15 | 54% | 33% |
See pot odds and outs and the poker odds cheat sheet.
Call, raise or fold?
Section titled “Call, raise or fold?”- Compare equity with pot odds. A flush draw facing a half-pot bet on the turn (needs 25%) with about 20% equity is a fold, unless implied odds are good.
- Semi-bluff strong draws. Betting or raising a combo draw wins when your opponent folds and when you hit. See when to bluff.
- Fold weak draws against big bets, especially gutshots and low flush draws.
Draw to the nuts
Section titled “Draw to the nuts”A nut draw becomes the best hand when it hits. Low flush draws and the low end of straights can hit and still lose. See the nuts.
Watch out for
Section titled “Watch out for”- Dirty outs: some cards that complete your draw also give an opponent a better hand (for example, a card that pairs the board when they may have a set).
- Being out of position with a draw: you’ll often face bets you can’t call.
Example
Section titled “Example”Turn: pot $60, opponent bets $30. You have a flush draw (about 20%). You need 30 ÷ 120 = 25% to call. If you believe they’ll pay at least another $30 when you hit, the call becomes reasonable. Otherwise, fold.
How many outs does a flush draw have?
Section titled “How many outs does a flush draw have?”Nine.
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 32% from the flop with two cards to come.
What is a combo draw?
Section titled “What is a combo draw?”A hand with both a flush draw and a straight draw, often 12–15 outs.
Should you always call with a draw?
Section titled “Should you always call with a draw?”No. Compare your chance to hit with the pot odds, and consider semi-bluffing strong draws.