Drawing hand

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

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

Quick answer

Gutshot — An inside straight draw — needing one specific rank (4 outs).

In more detail

Gutshots are weak draws (~16% by the river). Don’t chase them without big implied odds or as a semi-bluff component of a bigger play.

Common questions

What does Gutshot mean in poker?

Gutshots are weak draws (~16% by the river). Don’t chase them without big implied odds or as a semi-bluff component of a bigger play.

How do I calculate the equity of a gutshot?

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.

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.