Drawing hand

Straight Draw in Poker: Odds, Equity & How to Play

The math and equity of Straight Draw, and how to play it in real hands.

Quick answer

Straight Draw: Four cards that need one more to make a straight.

In more detail

OESD = 8 outs (~32% by river). Gutshot = 4 outs (~16%). Double gutshot is also 8 outs but harder to spot.

Common questions

What does Straight Draw mean in poker?

OESD = 8 outs (~32% by river). Gutshot = 4 outs (~16%). Double gutshot is also 8 outs but harder to spot.

How do I calculate the equity of a straight draw?

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.