Straight Draws & Suited Connectors In Poker
Straight draws and suited connectors are key hands that can significantly impact your game. Approximately 50% of all hands you are dealt will contain some form of straight draw, and about 4%—or 1 in 28—will be suited connectors of some kind. Understanding the four major types of straight draws can give you a strategic edge at the table. These types include Connectors, One-Gap Connectors, Two-Gap Connectors, and Three-Gap Connectors. Each of these categories offers unique potential for building strong hands.
Within each of these major types, we can further break down the hands into three subcategories: At the End, Near the End, and In the Middle. These subcategories describe where the cards fall on the rank spectrum, from high card combinations like Ace/King to lower combinations like 3/4. By recognizing these different straight draw groups and subcategories, you’ll be better equipped to play these hands optimally and maximize your opportunities at the table.
Straight Draws - Connectors
At The End Connectors
near the end connectors
in the middle connectors
Recap
Hands like Ace/King and King/Queen are connectors “At the End.” While they qualify as straight draws, they should not be played solely for that reason. The odds of making a straight from pre-flop to river with Ace/King are 32.3 to 1, or just a 3% chance. King/Queen fares slightly better, offering 19 to 1 odds (5% probability) of hitting a straight.
Instead, these “At the End” connectors are best played for their high card strength, not their straight potential. Hands like Ace/King are valuable because of their ability to form top pair with a strong kicker. Relying on these hands to make a straight is generally not a profitable strategy.
Hands like King/Queen or Queen/Jack fall under the “Near the End” category. These hands offer a bit more flexibility, as they hold both straight draw potential and high-card pairing value. However, their odds of hitting a straight are still limited. For example, King/Queen has 19 to 1 odds of making a straight by the river, or about a 5% chance.
In this category, the key is balancing the chance of hitting a straight with the possibility of making a strong pair. For example, King/Queen can win big with a top pair or straight, but it’s not a hand you should play purely for straight draws.
Connectors like Jack/Ten, Ten/9, and Nine/8 fall into the “In the Middle” category. These hands have about a 9% probability, or 10 to 1 odds, of making a straight from pre-flop to river. While these hands hold better straight draw potential than higher-end connectors, they are not generally considered strong hands when played for card value alone.
You must play these hands with caution, paying close attention to board texture and the overall table dynamics. Middle connectors often thrive in multi-way pots where you can capitalize on drawing potential, but they can also lead to marginal situations if the board doesn’t develop favorably. The key is knowing when to continue in the hand and when to fold, especially against aggressive players.
Connectors offer varying levels of value depending on where they fall—At the End, Near the End, or In the Middle. High-end connectors like Ace/King and King/Queen are best played for their card strength, while middle connectors like Jack/Ten hold stronger straight draw potential but require careful play based on position and board texture. Low-end connectors, such as 3/4, generally carry too much risk and should only be played in ideal circumstances where the potential reward outweighs the inherent dangers.
By understanding the unique strengths and weaknesses of each connector type, you can make more informed decisions and improve your chances of success at the table.
one gap connectors
One-gap connectors are hands where there is one card missing between the two hole cards, such as Ace/Queen, King/Jack, or Jack/9. While they don’t offer the same straight potential as no-gap connectors, one-gap connectors can still provide strong opportunities, especially when played in the right situations.
at the end
near the end
in the middle
overview
Hands like Ace/Queen or Ace/3 fall under “At the End” one-gap connectors. These hands have a 24 to 1 chance (4%) of making a straight from pre-flop to river. While the odds of hitting a straight are slim, Ace/Queen holds more value for its potential to make top pair with a strong kicker, especially in late position.
Conversely, hands like Ace/3 carry much less value due to the weak kicker, making them speculative at best. They are usually unprofitable unless you can see the flop cheaply in a favorable multi-way pot.
One-gap connectors like King/Jack or 5/3 fall into the “Near the End” category. King/Jack has a 19 to 1 chance (5%) of hitting a straight from pre-flop to river, giving it more flexibility. Not only does it offer a decent straight draw, but the potential to pair with a King or Jack adds value. These hands are typically worth playing in late position or when you can control the action.
Hands like 5/3, while having the same 13.29 to 1 odds (7%) of completing a straight, are highly speculative due to their low card value. These hands should only be played in favorable situations, like multi-way pots where you can see the flop cheaply, as they lack high-card strength.
One-gap connectors “In the Middle,” such as Jack/9, Ten/8, 9/7, 8/6, and 7/5, all offer about the same 13.29 to 1 chance (7%) of making a straight from pre-flop to river. While the odds are the same, hands like Jack/9 or Ten/8 hold more value due to the higher cards, which can form stronger hands, such as top pair or two pair. These hands are typically stronger and offer more versatility in post-flop situations.
On the other hand, lower one-gap connectors like 8/6 and 7/5 have the same straight draw odds but lack high-card strength, making them more speculative and dangerous to play. Without the possibility of making top pair or strong two-pair hands, these hands require more cautious play and should be used primarily in late position, especially in multi-way pots where the implied odds are greater.
One-gap connectors offer varying levels of value depending on where they fall—At the End, Near the End, or In the Middle. Higher-ranked hands like King/Jack or Jack/9 offer better post-flop potential due to their card strength, while lower-ranked hands like 8/6 or 7/5 should be played cautiously. Understanding the straight draw potential and recognizing the limitations of these hands can help you make more informed decisions at the poker table.
two and three gap connectors
Two-gap and three-gap connectors are hands where two or three cards are missing between the hole cards, such as Ace/Jack, King/Ten (two-gap), or Ace/Ten (three-gap). While these hands technically qualify as straight draws, their odds of hitting a straight are so low that they should almost never be played for their straight value. Let’s break down their potential and strategic considerations.
in the middle
At the end & near the end
Two-gap connectors “In the Middle,” such as Jack/8, Ten/7, or 9/6, offer about a 6% chance, or 15.67 to 1 odds, of making a straight from pre-flop to river. Three-gap connectors “In the Middle,” such as Jack/7 or Ten/6, have even worse odds, offering only a 4% chance, or 24 to 1 odds, of hitting a straight. The low probability of making a straight makes both of these hand types risky, and over the long term, playing them for straight potential is a losing proposition.
Unless you’re in an extremely favorable situation, such as seeing a cheap flop from late position, these middle two-gap and three-gap connectors should be folded pre-flop. Their risk far outweighs the reward.
High-end hands like Ace/Jack, King/Ten (two-gap), or Ace/Ten (three-gap) carry slightly more value due to their high-card strength. For instance, Ace/Jack can still win with a top pair if the board hits an Ace or Jack, but even King/Ten is a marginal hand, especially when facing opponents with better kickers.
The problem with these hands is that they often get out-kicked when you hit top pair. For example, if you have King/Ten and the board shows a King, you are vulnerable to anyone holding King/Queen or Ace/King. For these reasons, you should only consider playing these hands from late position, and only if there’s minimal action before you. Otherwise, they are better off folded pre-flop.
Over-View for two & three gap connectors
Whether two-gap or three-gap connectors, these hands are highly speculative and rarely worth playing for their straight potential. The odds of hitting a straight are simply too low to justify entering the pot with these hands, except in the most optimal circumstances. High-end hands like Ace/Jack or King/Ten can be played for their card value, but even they should be approached with caution. Long-term success with these hands will come from folding them more often than playing them.
Reference Chart: Understanding Straight Draws and Strategic Considerations
To better understand the straight draw potential of various hands, refer to the chart below. It details every conceivable straight draw hand, including no-gap connectors, one-gap connectors, two-gap connectors, and three-gap connectors, along with the corresponding probabilities and odds of making a straight from pre-flop to river. This chart serves as a comprehensive reference, allowing you to quickly assess the likelihood of completing a straight based on the hand you’ve been dealt.
However, it’s crucial to not only consider the straight potential but also to think about the high card value of each hand, particularly for hands like Ace/King or King/Queen. While some hands offer strong straight odds, others may be more valuable for their high card strength. For example, Ace/King has solid high card value, but its straight draw potential is relatively low.
Pay close attention to kicker issues as well, especially with hands like King/Ten or Ace/Three. Even if you hit a top card like a King or Ace, you may still be out-kicked by opponents with better high-card combinations. The chart will help you identify hands that carry these risks.
Additionally, the chart highlights hands that have little to no value even if you were to hit a high card. For example, hands like 5/3 or 7/4 might have straight potential, but their overall strength is significantly diminished because their kicker is weak or non-existent, making them vulnerable in showdown situations. Recognizing these weaknesses can help you avoid investing chips in marginal hands that are unlikely to hold up post-flop.
By using this chart, you can make more informed decisions not only based on the probabilities of making a straight but also on the broader strategic implications of each hand’s potential. Understanding both the mathematical and strategic factors will improve your ability to play optimally at the table.
To better understand the straight draw potential of various hands, refer to the chart included in this article. It details every conceivable straight draw hand, including no-gap connectors, one-gap connectors, two-gap connectors, and three-gap connectors, along with the corresponding probabilities and odds of making a straight from pre-flop to river. This chart serves as a comprehensive reference, allowing you to quickly assess the likelihood of completing a straight based on the hand you’ve been dealt.
However, it’s crucial to not only consider the straight potential but also to think about the high card value of each hand, particularly for hands like Ace/King or King/Queen. While some hands offer strong straight odds, others may be more valuable for their high card
this chart reflects your probability and odds of making a straight - pre-flop to river
suited connectors - one/two/three gap
When considering suited connectors—whether they are no-gap, one-gap, two-gap, or three-gap—the primary difference compared to their off-suit counterparts is the added flush potential. Being suited increases the hand’s value by approximately 6% due to the possibility of hitting a flush. However, while this increase in equity applies across all categories of straight draws, it’s important not to overlook the broader strategic implications of playing suited connectors.
The flush potential adds an exciting layer to these hands, but you must also evaluate whether your flush will actually hold up if it hits. For example, hitting a 7-high flush can feel rewarding in the moment, but it comes with substantial risk. There’s roughly a 35% chance that another player holds two cards of your suit, meaning that your flush could be dominated by a stronger one. In situations where four cards of your suit appear on the board, you can almost guarantee that your 7-high flush is beaten by a higher flush. This risk applies to all low flushes, where the lack of high card strength leaves you vulnerable.
balancing flush & High card value
Analysis for suited connectors
While suited connectors give you additional flush potential, you must still account for the high card value of your hand. For instance, hitting a flush with Ace-high or King-high is much more reliable than hitting one with 7-high or 8-high. Hands like Ace/King suited or King/Queen suited not only offer flush possibilities but also give you the added benefit of playing for top pair or strong kicker value.
On the other hand, lower-end suited connectors, such as 8/6 or 7/5 suited, remain speculative at best. Even though the flush equity increases their hand strength by 6%, their lack of high card value still puts them at risk of being dominated in both flush and high-card situations. Additionally, low-flush hands often put you in tough spots post-flop when you’re unsure whether to proceed or fold due to kicker issues.
Playing suited connectors requires a balanced approach. Here are key strategic considerations:
- Flush Potential Isn’t Everything: Don’t rely solely on the flush potential to make your decisions. Consider how your hand plays in various situations, especially when flush draws don’t materialize.
- High Card Matters: Always factor in whether your hand has a solid high-card kicker. For instance, hands like Ace/King suited offer stronger flexibility because they can win with both flushes and top pair hands.
- Be Wary of Low Flushes: Although any flush can be exciting, low flushes like 7-high are often dominated by stronger flushes. Be mindful of the risks and try to control the pot size when playing these hands.
- Position is Key: Suited connectors play best in late position where you can see how the action unfolds and decide whether it’s worth investing further in the hand.
wrap up
While suited connectors add about 6% hand value across all types of connectors due to their flush potential, that increase in equity must be considered in context. Don’t just focus on the flush potential—think about the high card value, kicker issues, and the significant risk of being out-flushed, especially with low flushes. Understanding these factors will help you make better decisions when playing suited connectors, allowing you to capitalize on their strengths while avoiding the traps.
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