Drawing a gutshot takes on varying levels of significance depending on which version of the game you prefer to play, and it can be quite profitable.
In this comprehensive guide, we will run through all facets of the gutshot straight, provide an example or two along the way, and give you some useful game tips to sharpen your technique in the long term.
WHAT’S A GUTSHOT IN POKER?
Generally speaking, it is a colloquial term for what is normally called an inside straight draw. In most games, it is a type of straight draw where the card required to complete a straight will appear in the middle of the structure.
So, for example, if you were to hold the cards 6, 7, 9, and a Ten, then an 8 completes the straight here. Therefore, a player, for example, will be relying on one card to get their hands on the pot, which for the most part, is unlikely.
To break things down further, you can weave this term naturally in the following sentence – We double barrelled and luckily managed to spike our gutshot when we played.
In the following section, we will take a closer look at the odds of a player drawing gutshots when dealt cards during different stages, starting from the flop.
CHANCE OF HITTING GUTSHOT BY THE FLOP
Going from the flop to turn in Texas hold’em, you can expect to make a gutshot straight draw 8.5% of the time which equates to a one in 11.8.
You should also note that in any given game, most flopped gutshots are known as the nuts, which means that a player can make a more aggressive move on the board.
CHANCE OF HITTING GUTSHOT BY THE TURN
However, you should note that the chance of making a straight while betting from the turn to the river stands at 8.7%, or a one in 11.5.
You may find that making a calculated bet here can help you make more money rather than going from the turn as there will be one less card.
CHANCE OF HITTING GUTSHOT BY THE RIVER
So, from the flop to the river, the probability of hitting a straight when betting equates to 16.5% or one in 6.1.
HOW TO USE GUTSHOT FOR YOUR STRATEGY
For a player to outsmart an opponent with a gutshot straight, there are a few ways that they can achieve this with their hand.
To complicate things slightly, you can also choose to play overcards and such draws may be called depending on how big the unpaired hand is an Ace and Jack or an Ace and a King.
It should be noted at this point that not all the tips we have suggested are fail proof, nevertheless, they provide a good gauge or measure of where a player is sitting when they show their hand in games.
THINK ABOUT THE OUTS
If you opt to play the gutshot straight aggressively, you should always keep an eye out on the number of available outs. Remember, it is better to bet on the two-card gutshots than those of the one-card variety.
SEE VALUE WHEREVER POSSIBLE
While a player, for example, might be worried if an opponent draws naked gutshots, they aren’t as valuable as you would initially think. This should be noted when playing games, such as Omaha, so a player should always keep in mind the hand they are holding before revealing.
SUMMARY
Ultimately, the gutshot straight draw can help liven any given situation, but you should always consider your options carefully before placing a bet. Therefore, you shouldn’t just hit enter if playing online if you want to give yourself the best chance. Ideally, you will want to have a pair before you show your hand.
Pulling a double gutshot can certainly add an extra string to your bow when betting, and if you can be more aggressive with your draws, then it will stand you in good stead as you can put your opponent on the back foot.
We hope our in-depth guide has given you a flavour of what you can expect when you receive certain draws in a game. If you can put into practice the concepts of the open ended straight draw, then you will be able to approach any game with more confidence. Have a go today and good luck!