Short stack strategy: Draws in a free play situation

Strategy: No Limit

Introduction

► How do I use odds and outs?

► Which cards help you?

► Basics

► Types of draws

► Play on the flop, turn and river

► Previous knowledge▫ Odds and outs▫ Implied pot odds

Basics

► Discounted outs

► Outs▫ Overcards – 3 to 4 outs▫ Opponent could have a hand

like A3

► Implied pots odds▫ Better on the flop than on the turn▫ ¼ to ½ pot size bet as implied odds from the turn to the

river

► The strength of your draw▫ Flush draws with 2 cards > flush draws with one card▫ Pay attention to the card value for a flush draw▫ A straight draw on the low end with one card is not as strong▫ A nut draw increases your implied pot odds

The four types of draws

► Overcards + gutshot

► Weak draws▫ Gutshots or overcards – about 4 outs▫ Finished draw – often not the best hand

► Combo draws▫ Different draws together, for example gutshot AND overcards▫ More outs and higher implied odds

The four types of draws

► OESD + overcard

► Overcards + gutshot + backdoor flush draw

► Strong draws▫ Flush normally 8 or 9 outs for a straight or a flush▫ Can be strengthened through overcards or backdoor draws

The four types of draws

► OESD + flush draw

► Flush draw + backdoor straight draw + outs to two pair or three of a kind

► Monster draws▫ 12 or more outs▫ Are played like made hands

How do you play on the flop?

► Weak draws▫ Normally fold to a bet, because the pot odds are not good enough▫ Exception: in position with good pot odds

► Combo draws▫ Play passively by check/calling with good pot odds▫ A draw to the best possible hand (nuts) results in higher implied odds

► Strong draws▫ Normally, also play passively by check/calling according to pot odds▫ At least 2 opponents that (will) bet– all in possible▫ Because: 1/3 of the pot is from you – your chance to win is also 1/3▫ Therefore: With 9 or more outs – all in on flop or value

► Monster draws▫ Play aggressively independent of the opponents and betting frequency before

you▫ Normally a 50% chance of hitting your draw▫ Build up the pot and protect yourself from being pressured by a bet on the turn

How do you play on the turn?

► Hit your draw▫ Bet in order to obtain the maximum profit and to protect yourself against

redraws

► Combo draws and strong draws▫ Usually play passively according to odds and outs▫ Possibility to force the opponents to fold ▫ However: your opponent should be able to fold (“never bluff a calling station.”)▫ Scare cards or prior initiative on the flop are both helpful

► Monster draws▫ Continue to play as aggressively as possible▫ About a 30% chance to the river – it is possible that your opponents fold▫ Nevertheless, pay attention to your odds and outs

► Weak draws▫ Only play according to odds and outs – mostly check/fold

Summary

► The four types of draws

► Play in different rounds

► Odds, outs, pot odds and implied odds

Good luck!