In poker, a gutshot is a straight draw that requires one specific card in the middle of the straight to complete.
It is also known as an inside straight draw or a belly buster, and it is considered to be a more difficult draw to make than an open-ended straight draw (where you can get a card on either side of it to complete it).
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Straight
To understand what a gutshot is, let’s first look at what a straight is in poker.
A straight is a hand that consists of five cards in sequential order. For example, 4♥5♥6♥7♥8♥ is a straight.
A straight draw is when a player has four cards in sequential order and is hoping to make a straight by drawing the missing card.
Open-Ended Straight Draw
An open-ended straight draw occurs when a player has four cards to a straight that can be completed on either end.
For example, if a player holds 5♥6♥7♥8♥, they have an open-ended straight draw because they can complete the straight with either a 4 or a 9.
Straight Minus 1
On the other hand, a gutshot occurs when a player has four cards to a straight, but the missing card can only be in the middle of the straight.
For example, if a player holds 5♥6♥8♥9♥, they have a gutshot draw because they need a 7 to complete the straight.
The missing card can only be a 7, which makes it more difficult to complete the straight.
Gutshot Draw
A gutshot draw is also known as an inside straight draw because the missing card is inside the four cards that a player holds.
It is called a belly buster because the player needs to hit the middle of the straight to complete the hand, as if they are trying to shoot a bullet through the belly of the straight.
Gutshot vs. Open-Ended Straight Draw
Gutshot draws are more difficult to make than open-ended straight draws because there are fewer cards in the deck that can complete the hand.
With an open-ended straight draw, there are eight cards that can complete the straight (four 4s and four 9s in the example above).
With a gutshot draw, there are only four cards that can complete the straight (the one missing card, in this case, the 7).
Gutshot Profitability
Despite being more difficult to make, gutshot draws can still be profitable if played correctly.
One strategy is to semi-bluff by betting or raising to build the pot and make your opponents fold.
This puts pressure on your opponents and gives you more chances to hit your draw.
Another strategy is to play the gutshot draw passively and only call bets when the pot odds are in your favor.
Tom Dwan hits gutshot in massive pot against Masa Kagawa
Conclusion
In summary, a gutshot in poker is a straight draw that requires one specific card in the middle of the straight to complete.
It is also known as an inside straight draw or a belly buster.
Gutshot draws are more difficult to make than open-ended straight draws, but they can still be profitable if played correctly.
Understanding the difference between a gutshot draw and an open-ended straight draw is important for making strategic decisions in poker.
