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What is a Backdoor Draw in Poker?

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Backdoor Draw

What Does Backdoor Draw Mean in Poker?

A backdoor draw in poker refers to a situation where a player needs two specific cards in consecutive rounds to complete a winning hand. For example, having a chance to make a flush or straight only if the right cards appear on both the turn and the river. Playing online poker often involves strategic considerations like these.

When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Backdoor Draw

Players often discuss backdoor draws when evaluating potential outcomes after the flop. It’s common in discussions about hand equity and drawing potential in both live and online games.

In-Game Example

You hold A2, and the flop is K84. You have a backdoor flush draw, needing both the turn and river to bring spades for a flush.

Strategy / Tips

  • Best Practice: Consider the pot odds and implied odds when deciding to chase a backdoor draw. It’s often more profitable in multi-way pots.
  • Common Mistake: Overvaluing backdoor draws and committing too many chips early in the hand.
  • Pro Tips: Backdoor draws can add equity to bluffs, especially when you have additional outs on the turn.
  • Differences playing over the table vs online: Live players might rely more on physical tells to gauge the strength of opponents’ hands, while online, the focus is more on bet sizing and timing tells.

Alternative Names

No widely recognized alternative names.

FAQs

Q: Can backdoor draws be profitable to chase?
A: Yes, they can be if the implied odds justify the chase and the potential win is significant compared to the investment.

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