Poker is a game where you can use numerous strategies to yield results. The Gutshot in poker is one of a few different ways of setting yourself up for a straight. In poker terms, a Gutshot is a type of Inside Straight Draw. It is a type of poker draw whereby just one numeric card is an “out”, preventing you from hitting a straight from the start. In this Go Spin blog, we’ll look at Gutshot and Inside Straight Draws, how they work, and how you can make use of them to improve your odds of success.
What is a Gutshot in Poker?
A Gutshot in poker is a more colloquial name for an Inside Straight Draw. This means you’ll draw the first four cards of a straight, leaving just one card remaining (an out) to complete the hand. Outs are the unseen cards that you need to complete your hand. Typically, Gutshot poker features four outs.
The Gutshot appears in most poker variants, but more specifically, Omaha, Stud and Texas Hold’em poker. Theoretically, it can even appear in video poker and other table poker games. However, it is most common in options that feature flops.
Two Common Types of Gutshot Draws
There are generally two types of Gutshot draws you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for. Below, we’ll introduce you to the two most common Gutshot Draws and explain how these Straight Inside Draw options work:
- Standard Gutshot: The basic option, this might see you draw a 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10. In this case, you need a 7 to complete the straight. In this case, the seven (all four of them) are the “outs”.
- Double Gutshot: Also known as a Belly Buster, this straight draw doesn’t feature consecutive cards. However, you can finish it with two different ranking cards. In effect, you have two Standard Gutshot draws on the fly at once.
See the Gutshot Inside Straight Draw Strategy in Action
Even if you think you now understand the basics of Gutshot in poker, it still helps to see the strategies in action. Below, we’ll introduce you to the basics of how to play a Gutshot in poker to help you better understand how they work. Here are a few examples to give you a visual idea of what to look for:
The Classic Gutshot Inside Straight Draw
A classic Gutshot in poker might see you have 3, 4, 5, 7 and King. Here, you need a six to complete the straight. Alternatively, you’ll draw a 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 (for instance), in which case a seven is enough to win with a straight.
The Double Gutshot or Belly Buster
With a Double Gutshot, you’ll receive (for example) a 7, 9, 10, Jack, and King. In this instance, either a Queen or an 8 would do the job. The hand gets its name from the fact that you have two potential straights to play with.
Not to Be Confused with an Open-Ended Inside Draw
Amateur players sometimes confuse Gutshots and Inside Straight Draws with Open-Ended Inside Draws. These are different strategies. Inside Straight Draws have four outs, while Open-Ended Inside Draws have eight outs. Open-Ended Inside Draws work differently. Here, you might receive a 3, 4, 5, 6 and Q, for instance. With this strategy, you’ll simply need to hit either a 2 or 7 to land a straight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using a gutshot in poker, many amateur players make critical mistakes that hurt their chances of winning. Here are the six most common poker mistakes to avoid:
- Playing Too Many Hands – Not every hand is worth playing, and chasing a gutshot in the wrong situation can drain your bankroll. Be selective with your hands and avoid playing weak starting cards just to hit a miracle draw.
- Bluffing at the Wrong Time – Bluffing can be a powerful tool, but using it incorrectly, especially when chasing a gutshot, can backfire. If your betting pattern doesn’t make sense, skilled opponents will see through your bluff and call you down.
- Poor Bankroll Management – Mismanaging your poker funds can quickly lead to unnecessary losses. Always stick to a set budget, avoid betting too much on low-probability draws, and ensure that you have enough chips to play strategically.
- Making Emotional Decisions – Letting emotions take over is one of the fastest ways to lose money in poker. If you’re frustrated or chasing losses, you might play a gutshot recklessly instead of making calculated decisions based on odds and position.
- Ignoring Position at the Table – Your position in poker affects how you should play a gutshot. If you’re in an early position, playing aggressively might not be the best move since others act after you. Late position gives you more control and lets you see how your opponents react before making a decision.
- Misplaying the Gutshot in Key Situations – Knowing when to bet, check, or fold with a gutshot is crucial. Sometimes, a check-call strategy is best to see another card without risking too much. Other times, a well-timed bet can add pressure on opponents. Misplaying these situations often leads to unnecessary losses.
FAQ
Can a Gutshot be profitable in online poker?
It pays like a straight. Ultimately, it all depends on whether you land the straight or not and what your opposing players are packing when the reveal happens. Gutshot itself doesn’t add anything extra to the pot, no.
Do Gutshow draws appear in several poker variants?
Absolutely. While Omaha, Texas Hold’em, and Stud poker games are the most common options, you will theoretically find Gutshots in most poker variants at online casinos.
What are the chances of completing a Gutshot straight draw?
A straight already has a fairly low probability of just 4.6% in Texas Hold’em poker, but once the cards are there, the odds of successfully landing a Gutshot increase. They start at 8% to 16%, while Open-Ended Straight Draws are more favourable, at 32%.
Are Gutshot and Straight Inside Draw the same thing?
Yes. However, they aren’t the same as an Open-Ended Inside Draw. That allows you to hit one of two cards to complete a straight with 8 outs, while a straightforward Gutshot sees you need a specific card (four outs).
Are there different types of Gutshot draws?
Yes. The Gutshot (single) is often known as the Inside Straight Draw, while the Double Gutshot is sometimes called the Belly Buster. Open-Ended Inside Draws work differently, but they follow the same principle.
