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Staying With a Draw

Another idea that some so-called authorities have warned against is playing flush draws when a pair is on board.

They argue that the probability of running into a full house is just too high to make this profitable.

Well, it certainly is true that you may run into a full house, but this doesn’t mean that your hand can’t be played.

The main thing to consider is how much money is in the pot.

In other words, the pot should be offering you somewhat better odds than if there were no pair showing.

It is also very important to consider which pair and off-card are on the flop.

For example, if the flop is someone already may have flopped a full house.

Now you need a lot of money in the pot to continue playing bankroll a straight or flush draw.

On the other hand, if the flop is it is unlikely that you are looking at a full house.

Rational players , even those who do not play well, generally throw away hands like 92.

Thus, not only should you at least call with your flush draw if someone else bets, you should bet it yourself if they don’t.

Similarly, what about calling with a straight draw when two flush cards have flopped ? Many of the same ideas apply.

Basically, since you may run into a flush, you need better than normal pot odds to call.

If the pot is very small, it is clearly best to fold.

However, folding is not an automatic play, and the Pots are large enough most of the time to make a call correct. (Also, as previously noted, your best play may be to bet.)

Now suppose the board pairs on fourth poker street.

Should your drawing hands now be thrown away? The answer is, only rarely.

However, you need somewhat better pot odds than normal to continue playing.

In addition, consider which card has paired and what the other two cards are.

Remember that certain cards will make it more likely that someone has made a full house.

However, if the board pairs on fourth street, someone bets, you are next, and there are several players behind you, you need to be aware that you may be raised if you call.

Thus you may be forced to put a lot of money in the pot on 4-to-1 shot that may not be good if the flush or straight card comes.

To continue playing in this spot the pot will again need to offer enough extra money to compensate. (Again, in many of today’s poker games this will still be the case. That is, there will have been enough previous action to make it worthwhile to continue playing. Once again consider the board, exactly which card has paired, and the players that you are against.)