What is a backdoor in poker

The popular term backdoor refers to the situation when a player has a half-formed hand, the completion of which is possible only after receiving the necessary cards on the turn and river. Some inexperienced players consider such a hand to be less promising, while others may overestimate it, continuing to draw without having a winning chance and a clear plan at the current stage of the hand. The truth, as usual, is somewhere in between: the potential of backdoor hands should be taken into account, but to successfully use this strategic feature in online casinos, you need to fully understand its essence.

Thus, the meaning of the term backdoor in poker comes from the English word ‘backdoor’, which means ‘backdoor’. In this context, it metaphorically means that a player’s hand looks like a losing hand on the flop, but there is an opportunity to ‘go through an unexpected path’ and win the pot. For this to happen, the turn must be a card that completes the four-card hand and the river must complete the hand. Here are some illustrative examples.

Backdoor to the Straight

Denis holds cards of different suits. On the flop. At this point, Denis doesn’t have a ready-made combination, not even a pair. The best hand he can make in this hand is a straight. This is possible if the turn is a seven and the river is a ten. To calculate the probability of successful completion of the combination, it is necessary to multiply the probabilities of the necessary cards at each stage. There are 8 outs on the turn: 4 tens and 4 sevens. So, the probability of their falling out is 8 / 47 = 17%. There are 4 outs left on the river: 4 / 46 = 8.7%. The total probability of successful completion is 0.17 * 0.08 = 0.0136 or 1.36%. In poker jargon, a backdoor draw is also called a ‘runner-runner’.

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The flush that remained in the shadows

The poker virtuoso Denis, who receives all the best bonuses from the casino and thinks of different strategies, holds two cards of spades. The flop reveals clubs, hearts, and diamonds without revealing the spade suit. The backdoor flush is an imaginary opportunity to win, provided that the turn is a spade card and the river is another card of the same suit. The above examples show that a backdoor flush has more encouraging chances, because the number of ‘outs’ increases at each stage: (9 / 47) * (8 / 46) = 3.3%. That is why experienced players take it into account in their calculations. The actual value of hands in this context is higher than 1.36% or 3.3%, since there is a possibility of collecting three of a kind or two pairs.

Tactics of the game

Although backdoor combinations do not have a high chance of success, they should not be neglected when developing a balanced strategy. Even 3% can play an important role in the long run. The value of such hands is manifested not only in the additional equity, but also in their playability:

• they rarely have to be paid by the opponent, as it is difficult to get rid of such a combination;
• you can get the most out of your opponent and win the pot, even if you have essentially second-rate cards;
• the completed draw remains unobvious to the opponent, which can push him to the maximum openness.

Below are some recommendations on the tactics of playing with backdrops developed by experts.

Expert advice

Optimal implementation and effective strategies for using backdoor draws in the context of poker require detailed analysis, avoiding stereotypes and intuitive biases. Significant attention should be paid to the correct positioning in different game situations, highlighting the best moments to maximise winnings.

Let’s imagine a scenario where a player has an odd backdoor flush draw and actively uses the initiative, which gives him the right to behave aggressively. The position in the game becomes especially important, especially on the turn, where the chances of a successful hand improvement or bluffing increase. An example of such a game with a backdoor flush draw assumes that in every fourth case, a card of the right suit will appear on the next street, which will significantly improve the combination and create the possibility of continuing aggression with a semi-bluff.

Read also: What does a secret player mean in poker?

Additional nuances

It is also worth paying attention to the importance of equity in the context of double and flush backdoor, as they can change the nature of the circle over a long distance. Flush, as the best situation, has a high playability. By betting on the turn with a four-card draw, a player gets the opportunity to bluff. Also, with the formation of a powerful hand on the river, which is not obvious to opponents, a chance for additional success is given.

Check-raises with strong draws, such as an open-ended straight draw, can be effective, providing a profit without the need to show cards. In the case of less powerful double backdrops, it is advisable to use bluff raises. Due to the possibility of disguising the real strength and winning a large pot, these hands acquire an outstanding status. The ease with which you can fold such a hand in response to the opponent’s aggression adds tactical flexibility. As you know, poker is not only about miscalculations, mathematics and formulas, but also about the ability to feel your opponent, his plans without words.

In the fight for the blinds after an open raise from the small blind, the big blind is recommended to defend itself extensively. Including weak outs, such as overcards with backdoor flush draws, in an adequate range of calls can be key in trying to successfully exploit your opponent and win the pot on the turn. It is important to emphasise that contrary to the intuitive perception of the lack of strength of backdoor hands in poker, experienced players appreciate them, especially when accompanied by additional advantages, such as initiative, position or a connection with weak pairs. For beginners, a strategy that reduces risks and prevents getting into difficult situations is recommended, and the use of backdoor combinations should be considered in the context of their effective interaction with straight draws. Finally, we would like to remind you that if you were looking for an online casino with a minimum deposit of 1 USD, please follow this link. Read more information about the gambling industry in our blog.

FAQ: What is a backdoor in poker?