How to Play Gutshots in Poker

When it is Best to Check

If you hold the lower cards that could complete your gutshot straight draw-  for example 8-7 on a flop dealt J-10-2 - then you are in a further position of weakness. You should simply check, in the hopes you see another card for free that could be the nine you’re looking for to make a straight. If you were also to hold a flush draw with a suited hand, then it could be a good spot to semi-bluff from depending on your position and the reads you have on your opponents since you have many more outs.

Going for Gutshot Straight Draws When You Won’t Hold the Nuts

If your gutshot straight draw won’t make the best hand - even if you get there on the draw - then you’re at a further disadvantage because you don’t hold the nuts. A good example of this is if you hold 5-4 unsuited and the flop reads 8-7-3 rainbow. Even if you find the six, anyone with a 10-9 or 9-5 will have you beat. It is never ideal to try for a gutshot straight draw in the first place, outside of certain situations, but this is an even worse spot to do so and it ties into the next point well - the dreaded dirty out. This all goes to say that if you chose the risk of going for a gutshot straight, at least be drawing to the nuts when you get there to make your opponents pay you off.

Inside Straight Draws; Dirty Outs

Beware the dirty out! That out you need might not be the card you’re looking for after all. A pretty obvious example of this is when you hold Js 10s on a flop reading 8h 7h Kd. Your opponent might be holding suited hearts, so if the nine you were looking for on the turn or river just so happens to be the 9h then your hand is counterfeited. This is an unlikely scenario for sure, but just something else to be aware of when you’re in the risky situation of playing a gutshot straight draw in the first place.

When You’re out of Position in Multi-Way Pots 

This one is rather obvious, but while a big pot may look juicy in terms of paying off your draw when it gets there, it most likely won’t come to fruition - and you’re just going to waste your stack as a calling station along the way. If your opponents give you a free pass by checking, then by all means continue for sure, but fold your hand quickly if you face any bets.

Playing as a Preflop Aggressor

If you bet the flop with an inside straight draw, you don’t always have to follow that aggression with a bet on the turn. You can check in the hope the river card brings you that last card you needed if your opponent gives you a free pass, and if that card falls on the river you should be able to make one last good value bet to pay off the risk you took in the hand. 

Online Poker 101

WPT Global provides insights on how to strategically play gunshots in poker. It offers valuable tips and techniques to navigate this specific hand scenario, enhancing your overall poker strategy.

WPT Global offers the best online poker promotions & online poker deals. Play online poker with the highest rakeback to win real money with the best poker app.

Competitive Rakeback Bonuses in Canada, Brazil and More

For players eager to dive into Texas Holdem or explore other poker variants, WPT Global provides a rich array of opportunities. From lucrative real money poker promos to an enticing online poker deposit bonus, the platform caters to the diverse needs of its global user base. These offerings not only enhance the poker experience but also provide players with numerous chances to win big, reinforcing WPT Global's reputation as a top destination for online poker enthusiasts in countries like Canada, Brazil and Japan