What is a Backdoor Flush in Poker?

Introduction

Small details can make big differences in Poker. One such concept that seasoned players often utilize is the backdoor flush draw. While it may not be as obvious as a standard flush draw, understanding and leveraging backdoor draws can provide hidden equity and strategic advantages.

Here’s everything you need to know about it.

What is a Backdoor Flush Draw?

A backdoor flush draw refers to the scenario where a player has the potential to complete a flush but requires specific cards on both the turn and river to do so. Unlike a direct flush draw, where a player needs only one additional card of the same suit to complete the flush, a backdoor flush draw is less likely and often less noticeable to opponents.

How Does a Backdoor Flush Draw Occur?

For a backdoor flush draw to be possible:

• The player must have two hole cards of the same suit.
• The flop must contain at least one card of that same suit.
• Two more cards of the same suit must appear on the turn and river.

This setup allows the player to complete the flush through the less direct ‘backdoor’ route.

Example:

Hand: A♠ K♠

Flop: Q♣ 8♠ 5♥

In this scenario, the player has two spades in their hand and one spade on the board. While they don’t have a direct flush draw on the flop, hitting two consecutive spades on the turn and river could complete the flush. For instance:

Turn: 6♠

River: 2♠

The player now has a flush with five spades: A♠ K♠ 8♠ 6♠ 2♠.

How Important Are Backdoor Poker Flush Draws

Backdoor flush draws might seem insignificant at first glance due to their low probability, but they offer critical advantages in Poker strategy:

1. Hidden Equity

Backdoor draws add a small but valuable amount of equity to a hand. While their odds of completing are low (approximately 4.2% after the flop), the possibility of hitting a strong, disguised hand can provide unexpected wins. Opponents may not anticipate a backdoor flush, allowing you to extract more value if it hits.

2. Semi-Bluff Opportunities

Backdoor flush draws provide excellent opportunities for semi-bluffing. If you are facing a bet, you can call or raise with the idea that the backdoor draw might materialize. Even if it doesn’t, your semi-bluff can pressure opponents into folding weaker hands.

3. Enhanced Playability

Combining a backdoor flush draw with other hand strengths—such as overcards, top pair, or a backdoor straight draw—increases your hand’s playability. For example, holding A♥ K♥ on a flop of Q♦ 9♥ 2♠ gives you a backdoor flush draw, overcards, and potential for a straight, making it a multi-dimensional hand.

4. Pot Equity and Implied Odds

While the direct odds of completing a backdoor flush draw are slim, the potential payoff can be massive. If you hit the flush on the river, the strength of your hand combined with its disguised nature can lead to higher payouts from opponents who underestimate your draw.

How to Calculate Backdoor Flush Draw Odds

The odds of completing a backdoor flush draw depend on two consecutive events:

Hitting the flush draw on the turn: Approximately 11 outs for the desired suit remain in the deck after the flop. The probability of hitting one of these outs on the turn is 11/47 (~23.4%).

Completing the flush on the river: If the turn card gives you a flush draw, 9 outs remain to complete the flush. The probability of hitting one of these on the river is 9/46 (~19.6%).

To determine the combined probability:

Turn odds × River odds = 23.4% × 19.6% ≈ 4.6%.

Thus, the overall probability of completing a backdoor flush draw is approximately 4.2%.

When to Chase a Backdoor Flush Draw

While backdoor flush draws have value, they should not be pursued indiscriminately. Consider the following factors:

1. Pot Odds

Evaluate whether the current pot size justifies chasing the backdoor flush. With low odds of completion, the pot must offer sufficient rewards to make the pursuit worthwhile.

2. Implied Odds

Consider the potential future earnings if you complete the flush. Disguised backdoor flushes often lead to higher implied odds, as opponents are less likely to expect them.

3. Hand Context

Assess your overall hand strength. If the backdoor flush draw is your only equity, folding might be better. However, if combined with other strong features (for example - top pair or a straight draw), continuing becomes more viable.

4. Position

In a late position, you can more easily control the betting and decide whether to pursue a backdoor draw based on opponents’ actions. In the early position, chasing backdoor draws can be riskier.

Examples of Backdoor Flush Draw

Example 1: Adding Equity

Hand: J♥ T♥

Flop: 9♦ 7♥ 2♠

Here, you have a backdoor flush draw and a backdoor straight draw. While your immediate hand is weak, you can continue with a call if the pot odds and implied odds are favourable. The appearance of the 3♥ on the turn greatly boosts your equity, providing you with a direct flush draw.

Example 2: Semi-Bluff Potential

Hand: Q♠ J♠

Flop: K♦ 6♠ 2♥

You have a backdoor flush draw and an overcard. Facing a continuation bet, you could semi-bluff by raising. If your opponent folds, you win the pot immediately. If they call and the turn brings a spade, your equity improves dramatically, allowing for continued aggression.

How to Counter Backdoor Flush Draws

While employing backdoor flush strategies yourself, it’s equally important to recognize when opponents might be using this tactic against you. Skilled players often integrate backdoor draws into their range, making them harder to read.

Tips to Counter Backdoor Strategies:

1. Pay Attention to Board Runouts: Boards that bring two consecutive suited cards on the turn and river should raise a red flag. Assess your opponent’s previous betting patterns to determine if a backdoor flush is a possibility.
2. Consider Bet Sizing: Opponents chasing backdoor draws may employ smaller bets on earlier streets to minimize risk. Take note of unusually cautious betting.
3. Polarize Your Responses: If you suspect a bluff involving a backdoor draw, consider polarized actions like large raises or re-raises to test their commitment to the hand.

Example of Counterplay:

Board Runout: Flop: J♣ 7♠ 3♦ → Turn: K♠ → River: 6♠
An opponent who suddenly bets large on the river after the third spade appears may be representing a backdoor flush. Analyze their play across earlier streets to gauge credibility.

Backdoor Flush Vs. Straight Draws

Backdoor flush draws and straight draws function similarly but differ in disguise and likelihood. Backdoor flushes are often harder for opponents to detect, whereas straight possibilities are more evident on coordinated boards. Both add hidden equity but should be evaluated based on context.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a flush draw and a backdoor flush draw?

A regular flush draw requires one more card of the same suit to complete a flush. A backdoor flush draw, however, requires both the turn and river cards to be of the same suit as two cards in your hand to complete the flush.

Should you chase a backdoor flush draw?

Chasing a backdoor flush draw depends on factors like pot odds, implied odds, and additional outs. It can be worth pursuing if the potential payoff is high or you can leverage your draw for semi-bluffs.

How often does a backdoor flush draw hit?

The probability of completing a backdoor flush is about 4.2%, or 22 to 1. While the odds are low, the hidden value can justify taking calculated risks in specific scenarios.

Conclusion

A backdoor Poker flush draw may seem like a minor aspect of Poker strategy, but recognizing and utilizing it can create additional avenues for profit. By combining hidden equity, semi-bluff potential, and implied odds, backdoor flush draws transform otherwise marginal hands into opportunities for success.