Outs
Definition
Cards remaining in the deck that will improve your hand to a likely winner. A flush draw has 9 outs; an open-ended straight draw has 8 outs. The Rule of 2 and 4: multiply outs by 2 (one card) or 4 (two cards) for approximate equity percentage.
Outs are the remaining cards in the deck that will improve your hand to a likely winner. Counting outs accurately is the first step in calculating pot odds and making mathematically correct decisions in poker.
Common out situations: a flush draw has 9 outs (13 suited cards minus 4 you can see). An open-ended straight draw has 8 outs. An inside straight draw has 4 outs. Two overcards have 6 outs. Be careful not to double-count outs that satisfy multiple draws simultaneously.
The Rule of 2 and 4 provides a quick mental shortcut: multiply your outs by 4 with two cards to come (flop to river) or by 2 with one card to come (turn to river) for an approximate equity percentage. A flush draw with 9 outs on the flop: 9 x 4 = 36% equity. The same draw on the turn: 9 x 2 = 18% equity.
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Related Terms
Your share of the pot based on the probability of winning the hand. If you have a 40% chance of winning a $200 pot, your equity is $80. Equity changes with each new card dealt.
Pot OddsIn poker, the ratio between the current pot size and the cost of a call. If the pot is $100 and you must call $20, your pot odds are 5:1. Compare pot odds to your hand's equity to make mathematically correct decisions.
Semi-BluffBetting with a drawing hand that is currently behind but has the potential to improve to the best hand. For example, betting a flush draw on the flop. If opponents fold, you win immediately; if called, you can still hit your draw.
OvercardA card in your hand that is higher than any card on the board. For example, holding AK on a 9-7-3 flop gives you two overcards. Overcards have some value (6 outs to make top pair) but are not yet a made hand.
Gutshot (Inside Straight Draw)A straight draw missing one card in the middle. For example, holding 5-7 with a board of 8-9-K, and only a 6 completes the straight. Only 4 outs, making it half as likely to hit as an open-ended straight draw.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Outs?
Cards remaining in the deck that will improve your hand to a likely winner. A flush draw has 9 outs; an open-ended straight draw has 8 outs. The Rule of 2 and 4: multiply outs by 2 (one card) or 4 (two cards) for approximate equity percentage.
What terms are related to Outs?
Related concepts include: Equity, Pot Odds, Semi-Bluff, Overcard, Gutshot (Inside Straight Draw). Understanding these terms together gives you a more complete picture of the concept.
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