Combo Draw

A combo draw is a drawing hand that has multiple ways to improve to a strong made hand, typically having 12 or more outs. These powerful hands often have close to 50% equity even against made hands, making them excellent candidates for aggressive play.

Key Points

  • Multiple draw types
  • High equity hands
  • Aggressive potential
  • Position important

Common Combo Draws

  • Flush + Straight:
    • 15 outs typical
    • 9 flush cards
    • 6 straight cards
    • Shared outs considered
  • Double Gutshot + Flush:
    • 14 outs typical
    • 9 flush cards
    • 4-8 straight cards
    • Overlap possible

Equity Calculation

  • Rule of 2 and 4:
    • Turn: outs × 2
    • Flop: outs × 4
    • Quick estimation
    • Decision making aid
  • Common Scenarios:
    • 15 outs ≈ 54% flop
    • 14 outs ≈ 51% flop
    • 13 outs ≈ 48% flop
    • 12 outs ≈ 45% flop

Example Scenarios

OESD + Flush Draw: Holding K♥T♥ on Q♥J♥6♣ board. Nine flush outs plus six straight outs equals 15 outs (accounting for shared cards).

Double Gutshot + Flush Draw: Holding A♠K♠ on Q♠T♠5♣ board. Nine flush outs plus four straight outs (both gutshots) equals 13 outs.

Strategic Considerations

  • Aggressive Play:
    • High equity
    • Fold equity bonus
    • Semi-bluff power
    • Position leverage
  • Stack Depth:
    • Implied odds
    • SPR consideration
    • Commitment level
    • Risk assessment

Playing Styles

  • Fast Play:
    • Build pot early
    • Maximize fold equity
    • Pressure opponents
    • Stack commitment
  • Slow Play:
    • Trap setting
    • Pot control
    • Implied odds focus
    • Opponent dependent

Common Mistakes

  • Passive play
  • Poor sizing
  • Misreading outs
  • Stack ignorance
  • Position mistakes
  • Overvaluing draws

Advanced Concepts

  • Blockers:
    • Opponent range impact
    • Fold equity increase
    • Combination analysis
    • Hand reading aid
  • Board Texture:
    • Wet vs dry
    • Stack off potential
    • Range advantage
    • Action frequency

Combo draws are among poker's most powerful drawing hands, often having close to 50% equity even against strong made hands. Success with combo draws comes from understanding their equity, recognizing optimal aggressive spots, and properly considering stack depths and opponent tendencies. Remember that while these hands have great potential, they still need to improve to win at showdown, making aggressive play crucial for maximizing their value.