How to Play a Flush Draw

A flush draw is a flush hand that might be completed by a card or cards on the flop. For example, if you hold four cards of the same suit and have the potential for a flush on the flop, you have the option to play a flush draw. This can be a lucrative move if there is a healthy chance that the flop will, in fact, complete your hand.

Calculate the Odds

The most important thing you can do when considering whether or not to play a flush draw is calculate the pot odds. If you decide that the odds are good and will work to your advantage, go ahead and play the flush. The only situation in which you might want to think twice about this is if you are low on funds and there is a risk that you could lose everything.

Know When to Fold

Some players, after calculating unfavorable pot odds, decide to fold entirely rather than play the flush draw. This, however, is not necessary. Another option is to consider the implied odds, which factor in not only the cards on the flop but also the potential moves of your opponents. If you find that even the implied odds are poor on a flush drawing hand, then it's best to fold.

Bluffing can also come in handy on a flush draw hand. If you are unsure of the odds but think you might have a chance to outsmart the other players, you can try to force them to fold by betting or raising significantly and making them think that you already have a stellar hand.