What Is a Gutshot in Poker?

A gutshot, also known as an inside straight draw, is a type of draw in poker where the player has four cards to a straight, but is missing one card in the middle of the straight. For example, if the player has the 7-8-10-J, they need a 9 to complete the straight.

A gutshot is often considered a better hand than an open-ended straight draw, as it is less likely to be drawn out on by another player.

There are two main types of gutshots: backdoor and regular. A backdoor gutshot is when the player has two ways to make their hand, such as 7-8-10-J and 6-9-10-J.

A regular gutshot is when the player only has one way to make their hand, such as 7-8-10-J.

Gutshots are often played in a pot odds situation, where the player is getting the correct odds to call and make their hand. For example, if the pot is $10 and it costs $2 to call, then the player is getting 5:1 odds (10 ÷ 2 = 5).

PRO TIP:A gutshot is a type of draw in poker where a player needs one specific card to make a straight. For example, if you have 4-5-7-8, you would need either a 6 or 9 to make the straight. Gutshots are considered to be relatively weaker draws than open-ended straights, which can be made with both a higher and lower card.

This means that for every $1 the player puts in, they can expect to win $5 back if they hit their hand. In this situation, it would be correct to call with a gutshot as long as there is at least 20% chance of making the hand.

A gutshot can also be used as a bluffing tool. In a situation where the player has bet and been called, but doesn’t have a made hand, they may choose to bluff with a gutshot.

This can work especially well if the player has been betting aggressively throughout the hand and their opponent may think they are bluffing again.

A gutshot is a type of draw in poker where the player has four cards to a straight, but is missing one card in the middle of the straight. Gutshots are often played in a pot odds situation, where the player is getting the correct odds to call and make their hand.

A gutshot can also be used as a bluffing tool.