Rules of Thumb for Drawing in Limit Holdem

Rules of Thumb for No-Limit Holdem

Rules of Thumb are a bit trickier for No Limit Holdem because in No Limit is it much harder to know the size of future bets (costs) and the size of the final pot (benefits). That means your decisions should often based on how big you think the final pot will be, what future betting will be like, rather than just the size of the current bet and pot.

Flush Draws at the Flop

Always call

Exceptions: if the board is paired, then you should usually check-fold.

If the size of the call is half the pot or more. For example, if the pot is $8 and it costs you $5 to call, you should fold.

Raise if you have three or more callers

The only exception would be if the board is paired making a fullhouse or fullhouse draw more likely. Then usually just call.

Open Straight Draws at the Flop

Always call

Exceptions: if the board is all one suit and you don't have the ace or king of that suit. Then fold.

If the board is paired, then fold.

If you are headsup, then its a judgement call.

If the size of the call is half the pot or more. For example, if the pot is $8 and it costs you $12 to call, you should fold.

Raise if you have three or more callers

Exceptions would be if the board is paired or the board is all one suit (and you don't have the ace or king of that suit), in which case you fold.

Gut-Shot Straight Draws at the Flop

Never Call, Fold

Exceptions would be if the board is not paired and the pot is (approximately) ten times the size of the call. This is especially true if you also have overcards or a backdoor nut flush draw. For example, call with a $15 pot when it costs you $1 to call.

Never Raise

Flush Draws at the Turn

Always call

Exceptions: if the board is paired, then usually fold.

If the pot is less than four times the size of the call. For example, if the pot is $12 and it costs you $4 to call.

Never Raise

The only exception would be if the board is not paired and you have greater than five callers.

Open Straight Draws at the Turn

Always call

Exceptions: if the board shows three of one suit and you don't have the ace or king of that suit. Then fold.

If the board is paired, then fold.

If the pot is less than four times the size of the call. For example, if the pot is $12 and it costs you $4 to call.

Never Raise

The only exception would be if the board is not paired and you have greater than five callers.

Gut-Shot Straight Draws at the Turn

Fold

Exceptions would be if the board is not paired, there is no flush possible and the pot is (approximately) twelve times the size of the call. This is especially true if you also have overcards. For example, call with a $32 pot when it costs you $2 to call.

Never Raise

These rules of thumb are based upon "value plays," that is when you have about the right odds for your play.

Remember that if you are betting or raising, you also have the additional advantage that everyone might fold.

Also, at certain points in tournaments you get committed to a hand, even if its a draw and need to go allin.