What is an Inside Straight in Poker

Introduction

The inside straight draw is one of the more interesting hands to play among the many draws you might encounter. Knowing how to approach it can greatly impact your performance at the table. 

This article will explore everything you need about Poker terms straight draw.

What is an Inside Straight?

Gutshot draw, Poker slang for an inside straight draw, is a situation in Poker where a player has four cards to a straight, but there’s a single missing card in the middle of the sequence that they need to complete.

Unlike an open-ended straight draw, where two different cards can complete the straight, an inside straight draw requires one specific card rank. Because of this, it is less likely to hit and is often considered weaker.

To define it:

• You have four cards to a straight but with a gap in the sequence.
• You need one specific card rank to fill the gap and complete the straight.

Examples of Inside Straight Draws

Example 1: Flop Scenario

• You hold 5♠ 6♠.
• The flop comes 4♥ 8♦ K♠.

Your cards and the flop give you the following:
4, 5, 6, 8 leads to needing a 7 to complete the straight.

This is an inside straight draw because only a 7 will complete your hand.

Example 2: Turn Scenario

• You hold Q♠ J♣.
• The flop and turn are 10♥ 8♦ 2♠ 4♣.

Your sequence:
8, 10, J, Q, making you need a 9 to complete your straight.

Example 3: River Scenario

• You hold A♠ 3♣.
• The board reads 2♥ 5♦ 6♠ K♣.

Your sequence:
2, 3, 5, 6, where you need a 4 to complete your straight.

In all these cases, the gap in the middle makes it an inside straight draw.

Inside Straight Draw Odds and Probabilities

The probability of hitting an inside straight depends on the number of cards remaining to be dealt:

1. Flop to Turn (1 card to come):

• With 4 outs, the probability of hitting is approximately 8.5% or 1 in 12.

2. Turn to River (1 card to come):

• Again, the probability is approximately 8.5% or 1 in 12.

3. Flop to River (2 cards to come):

• The combined chance of hitting your inside straight draw on the turn or the river is about 16.5% or 1 in 6.

Inside Straight Draw vs Open-Ended Straight Draw

Inside Straight in Poker

In an Inside Straight Draw, only 1 possible rank of cards can help you, giving you 4 outs (one of each suit).

Example:

• Your hand: 6♠ 7♠
• Board: 5♦ 9♣ 2♥
• Needed card: 8 (to complete a straight of 5-6-7-8-9).

Odds to Hit:

• Turn or River: ~16.5% (1 in 6)
• River Only: ~8.7% (1 in 11.5)

When to Play:

• Gutshots are often speculative hands and should generally be played in situations where:
• The pot odds justify calling.
• There's implied value if you hit (e.g., your opponent might not see the straight coming).
• You can semi-bluff and make your opponent fold better hands.

Open-Ended Straight Draw (OESD)

An Open-Ended Straight Draw occurs when you need one of two possible ranks to complete your straight. This gives you 8 outs (two ranks, each with four suits).

Example:

• Your hand: 6♠ 7♠
• Board: 5♦ 8♥ 2♣
• Needed cards: 4 or 9 (to complete a straight of 4-5-6-7-8 or 5-6-7-8-9).

Odds to Hit:

• Turn or River: ~31.5% (1 in 3.2)
• River Only: ~17.4% (1 in 5.7)

When to Play:

• Open-ended draws are stronger than gutshots and can be played more aggressively, especially in:
• Multi-way pots.
• Situations where you have additional outs (like a flush draw).
• Spots where semi-bluffing could put pressure on opponents.

Key Differences Between Inside and Open-Ended Draws

When to Chase an Inside Straight Draw

Chasing an inside straight Poker draw is a calculated risk, as its chances of hitting are lower than other draws like open-ended straights or flushes. However, there are specific scenarios where pursuing it can be profitable or strategically viable. Here's when you might consider chasing:

1. Favorable Pot Odds

If the pot odds are good, meaning the size of the pot justifies the cost of calling, it might be worth chasing the draw.

• Pot Odds Calculation:

• Your chance of hitting an inside straight draw on the next card is about 8.5%. This translates to odds of roughly 11-to-1.
• If the pot offers better odds than this (e.g., you need to call ₹10 to win a ₹ 120-pot, giving you 12-to-1), chasing the draw is mathematically justifiable.

2. Strong Implied Odds

Implied odds account for the potential winnings you could make if you hit your draw and get paid off by your opponent.

• When to Calculate Implied Odds:

• If your opponent has a strong hand (for example - top pair, two pair, or a set) and is likely to call big bets on later streets, chasing the gutshot might be worth the risk.
• Situations with multiple opponents can also increase implied odds, as more players might contribute to the pot if you hit.

3. Additional Equity (Combo Draws)

Additional outs, such as a flush draw or overcards, strengthen the case for chasing a gutshot draw.

• When This Applies:

• If your inside straight draw is accompanied by a flush draw, overcards, or even a backdoor draw, your chances of improving increase significantly.
• These extra outs provide ‘backup’ if you miss your primary draw.

4. Position and Bluffing Opportunities

When you are in a good position (acting last), chasing an inside straight draw can give you additional leverage, especially if you miss your draw, but the board texture favours a bluff.

• Advantages of Position:

• You can control the betting and decide whether to bet aggressively if the draw completes.
• If your opponent shows weakness, you can represent the straight even if you don’t hit it.

5. Tournament Strategy

In tournaments, chasing gutshots can sometimes be justified when stack sizes, blinds, and payout structures come into play.

• Short Stacks:
• If you are low on chips, chasing an inside straight might be one of your few remaining chances to stay in the game.
• Deep Stacks:
• The potential reward for hitting a disguised hand like a gutshot straight can be massive in deep-stack situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an inside straight draw in Poker?

An inside straight draw, or gutshot, occurs when you need one specific card to complete a straight, which lies in the middle of your sequence. For example, with 8♦ 9♠ J♣ Q♥, you need a 10 to complete the straight.

What are the odds of hitting an inside straight draw?

The odds are approximately 8.5% or 11:1 against you from the flop to the turn. From the flop to the river (two chances), the odds improve to 16.5%, about 5:1.

Should you chase an inside straight draw?

No, chasing inside straight draws depends on pot odds, position, and stack size. It might be worth continuing if the pot odds justify the call or if you can bluff effectively. Otherwise, folding is often better.

Conclusion

An inside straight draw can offer a thrilling potential for a strong hand, but it’s essential to recognize when the odds are not in your favour. By playing strategically and knowing when to fold, you will make better decisions and avoid unnecessary losses. Remember, Poker is about making the best choices with the information available, and sometimes that means letting go of a gutshot.