How to Play Straight Draws in Poker

A straight draw in poker consists of two types of draws. You can have an open ended straight draw which means you have four consecutive cards and you need one card at either end to make your straight. A gut shot straight draw in poker means you have four cards that require another card in the middle to make a straight. Learn how to play these straight draws in poker.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Fold your straight draw if the flop displays a high pair. There is a risk of someone having a full house.

2. Consider folding if you are playing heads up with a straight draw and don't have at least a pair or two over cards on the flop. The odds aren't in your favor in this situation and you run high risk of losing a lot of money.

3. Determine if your open-ended straight draw is on the low or high end. If you have a 4 and 5 of Spades and the flop is a Jack of Spades, 7 of Hearts and 6 of Clubs then you have an open-ended straight draw. If a 3 comes out you can play it because you have a high end straight draw but if an 8 comes out you should think of folding as someone may be holding a 9 and 10.

4. Think about folding if you are only using one of your hole cards in your straight draw. Your straight is a lot weaker at this point because it is obvious to everyone in the hand that you are on a draw. They may be as well.

5. Raise the pot if you have an open-ended straight draw on the flop and you are drawing the high end. You have a 30 percent chance of improving your hand on the turn or the river.