Drawing hand
Backdoor Draw in Poker: Odds, Equity & How to Play
The math and equity of Backdoor, and how to play it in real hands.
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
New to poker? Start with our preflop strategy guide and the free TAG cheatsheet.