Drawing hand

Backdoor Draw in Poker — Odds, Equity & How to Play

Here's the math, equity, and the right way to play Backdoor in real hands.

Quick answer

Backdoor — A draw needing two perfect cards (turn + river) to complete.

In more detail

A backdoor flush draw on the flop has only ~4% equity to make a flush by the river — runner-runner odds. Solid players still consider these in equity calculations because they add up across many hands.

Common questions

What does Backdoor mean in poker?

A backdoor flush draw on the flop has only ~4% equity to make a flush by the river — runner-runner odds. Solid players still consider these in equity calculations because they add up across many hands.

How do I calculate the equity of a backdoor?

Count your outs (cards that complete the draw) and apply the rule of 2 and 4: outs × 4 on the flop, outs × 2 on the turn. The result is your approximate % chance to hit by the river.

Related terms

Drawing Dead
Having no card left in the deck that can win the hand.
Flush Draw
Four cards of the same suit, needing one more for a flush.
Gutshot
An inside straight draw — needing one specific rank (4 outs).
OESD
A straight draw with two ranks completing it (8 outs).

New to poker? Start with our preflop strategy guide and the free TAG cheatsheet.