Hands and boards
Backdoor draw in poker
Definition
A draw that needs two more cards in a row, both on the turn and on the river, to complete a flush or a straight.
A backdoor flush draw means you have three cards of a suit on the flop and need the next two to match as well. It is unlikely to hit, but it adds a little equity and helps justify continuing with a bluff.
Backdoor draws are valuable mostly in combination with a pair or another draw.
Related terms
- DrawA hand that is not yet made but can become a strong one with the right card to come.
- Flush drawFour cards to a flush, needing one more card of the same suit; it has nine outs.
- GutshotA straight draw with a gap in the middle that needs one specific rank to complete; it has four outs.
- Implied oddsPot odds adjusted for the extra money you expect to win on later streets if you hit your hand.