Straight Draws

Their are 3 types of Straight Draw:

• Inside/Gutshot Straight Draw
• Open Ended Straight Draw
• Double Inside/Gutshot Straight Draw

Inside/Gutshot Straight Draw
Generally I don't do it, I am trying to hit one of 4 out cards (11:1 on turn and river, 5:1 overall) i.e. I hold 56s and the flop comes 89K, I need a 7. This is a seriously unprofitable play.

However, if I made middle/top pair and an inside straight draw on the flop then this is a stronger hand which I would play.

i.e. I hold 67u and the flop is 579 (with no flush possibility)
4 outs to the 8 for a straight.
2 outs to the 7 for trips.
3 outs to the 6 for 2 pair.

A total of 9 outs (2:1 by the river), although I would be cautious of the straight as the 8 could make someone with JT to the nuts and the two pair could also improve a player holding an 8.

I would not play this hand if the flop was double suited as at least 50% of my outs could improve another hand.

Open Ended Straight Draw
I hold 78u and the flop comes 56K ( three suited)
I have 8 outs to the 9 or 4 and I am 2.5:1 to make a straight by the river card.

I usually check/call straight draws as I want to keep players in the game to improve the pot odds.

If I am last to act and it is checked to me then I will usually bet to build the pot and prevent freecards, I may win the pot outright with this semi bluff bet :)

If I don't make it by the river then I will usually fold to any bet on the end, as the chance of having the best hand is slim.

Double Inside/Gutshot Straight Draw
I love these, you can easily miss seeing them when you flop one and your opponents will generally not see them at all (until its too late...)

You have 67u and the flop comes T48 ( three suited)
You have 8 outs to the 9 or 5 and You are 2.5:1 to make a straight by the river card.

Players with overpairs or trips probably wont see you coming and when a 9 or 5 hit and there is a showdown, your opponent will most likely only see that you made an inside straight (not noticing your other option).

This is a great situation:
a) You won the hand
b) Your opponent may now think you are a maniac/gambler and not respect your raises when you hit a great hand.
c) Your opponent may now go on tilt (play poorly after losing)


Important note.
It is not usually profitable to play any Straight Draw when the flop is 2 suited and a flush is possible, the card that makes your straight could make someone a Flush.