Drawing hand

Backdoor Flush Draw in Poker: Odds, Equity & How to Play

The math and equity of Backdoor Flush, and how to play it in real hands.

Quick answer

Backdoor Flush: Having one card to a flush on the flop.

In more detail

Adds ~4% equity. Useless alone but matters for combo equity in semi-bluffing decisions.

Common questions

What does Backdoor Flush mean in poker?

Adds ~4% equity. Useless alone but matters for combo equity in semi-bluffing decisions.

How do I calculate the equity of a backdoor flush?

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

Backdoor

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

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).

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