Outs
The unseen cards that would improve your hand to the one you want.
Holding four cards to a flush, nine cards of that suit are left: nine outs. A quick estimate: with two cards to come, multiply outs by four for your rough percentage; with one card to come, multiply by two. Nine outs give about 36% by the rule, against 35% worked out exactly.
The rule of four works for about eight outs or fewer, and only when no more betting can come before the last card. With 15 outs it says 60%; the real chance is 54%.
Count carefully: an out that also helps the other player is not really yours.
New to poker? Play your first hands, with a coach at every decision. Practice points only.
Try it yourself
Your jack and ten of hearts, with these three shared cards. How many outs do you have to a straight?
One question, a minute or two. Nothing to finish first.
Learn and practise it
- Lesson: Outs and odds