What Does Backdoor Flush Mean in Poker?
A backdoor flush in poker refers to a hand that requires drawing two consecutive cards of the same suit on the turn and river to complete a flush. Initially, only one card of the suited combination is present on the flop, necessitating the turn and river to complete the flush.
When You Might Hear Or Use The Term Backdoor Flush:
You might hear this term during hand analysis when a player is discussing potential draws or outs, particularly on a flop that has a single card of your flush suit.
In-Game Example:
You hold A9 on a board of K52. The turn is the 7 and the river is the 3, completing your backdoor flush.
Strategy / Tips:
- Best Practice: Consider the potential for a backdoor flush when evaluating the strength of your hand and your draws.
- Common Mistake: Overvaluing a backdoor flush draw when the pot odds do not justify chasing it.
- Pro Tips: Utilize backdoor flush potential as a semi-bluffing opportunity on the flop, especially in position.
- Differences playing over the table vs online: Online players might be more attuned to recognizing backdoor flush potential due to the faster pace and data tracking, while live players should watch for physical tells and betting patterns that indicate a backdoor draw.
Alternative names:
Backdoor flush is also referred to as “runner-runner flush” or “backdoor draw.”
FAQs:
Q: Can a backdoor flush be considered a strong hand?
A: While not initially strong, completing a backdoor flush can lead to a powerful hand, especially if the flush is not obvious to opponents.
