Gutshot
Gutshot
Term: Gutshot A Gutshot also known as an inside straight draw occurs when a player's hand combined with the community cards is one specific card short of completing a straight, and that card lies in the middle of the straight, leaving only four outs. In practice, the probability of completing a gutshot is low approximately 8.5%, so it is usually necessary to consider pot odds before deciding whether to call, in order to avoid losing too much chips by chasing too expensive draws. For example, if you hold 8 and 9, and the board shows 5, 6, 10, then only a 7 will complete your straight 5-6-7-8-9. Since there are only four 7s left, this is a classic gutshot scenario.
Overview
Gutshot, also known as "inside straight draw" or "belly buster straight draw", is a type of drawing hand in Texas Hold'em. Unlike an open-ended straight draw, a gutshot has only 4 outs, so its probability of completing is lower.
Example
Player holds 9♠ 8♠, and the board is 6♣ 7♦ K♥. The player needs a 5 or a 10 to make a straight, but there are only four 5s and four 10s. The 5 is the middle card of the straight (5-6-7-8-9), while the 10 is the top card (6-7-8-9-10). Strictly speaking, either a 5 or a 10 is needed, but "gutshot" usually refers to needing the middle card, e.g., a 5. A more typical example: hand J♠ 10♠, board 8♣ 9♦ A♥. Here a 7 (middle card) is needed to complete the straight 7-8-9-10-J, and there are only four 7s. This is a classic gutshot.
Probability and Odds
- Flop to Turn: Probability of hitting is about 8.5% (4/47).
- Flop to River: Probability of hitting is about 16.5% (roughly 1:5).
- Turn to River: Probability of hitting is about 8.7% (4/46).
Due to the low number of outs, a player generally needs favorable pot odds or implied odds to profitably call.
Strategy Points
- Chase with Caution: Gutshots have low completion rates, especially in multi-way pots; avoid paying too much.
- Semi-bluff: On the flop, if in position and your opponent shows weakness, you can semi-bluff with a gutshot to increase fold equity.
- Implied Odds: If your opponent is likely to pay off big bets, consider calling when implied odds are high.
- Reverse Implied Odds: Be aware of being dominated by larger straights or flush draws.
Related Terms
- Open-ended Straight Draw: A straight draw with 8 outs.
- Draw: A hand that is not yet made but has the potential to improve on later streets.
- Outs: The number of remaining cards that can improve a hand to a made hand.
- Semi-bluff: A bet or raise with a drawing hand that combines bluffing and value potential.