How to Play Flush Draws

Upswing Poker Level-Up

Every time you have a suited hand, there is an 11% chance that you will flop a flush draw. How well you play those flush draws will have a pretty big impact on your bottom line.

The Upswing Poker Level-Up boys walk you through playing flush draws as the preflop raiser and the preflop caller, both in and out of position. You’ll learn which specific flush draw combinations perform best as bets, which flush draws you should check, and key adjustments to make in multiway pots.

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Written Version of this Episode

00:00 Introduction to Flush Draws

01:23 Global Frequency and Flush Draws

03:00 Betting and Checking Flush Draws

07:58 Playing Out of Position with Flush Draws

11:19 Playing as the Pre-Flop Caller with Flush Draws

14:15 Simplifying Your Flush Draw Strategy

15:41 Playing Flush Draws in Position

17:00 Flush Draws in Multi-Way Pots

18:30 Tournament Considerations for Flush Draws

In this episode of our poker strategy podcast, hosts Mike Brady and Scottish Poker Pro Gary Blackwood delve into the nuances of playing flush draws in single raised pots. Whether you're wondering when to raise, call, or check your flush draws, this episode covers it all. We explore key heuristics that can guide your decisions as both the pre-flop raiser and caller, addressing play in and out of position. You'll learn which specific flush draw combinations perform best as bets, which flush draws are better suited for checking, and how to adjust your strategy in multi-way pots.

The conversation also highlights the importance of understanding global frequencies and how they influence your decision-making with flush draws. Gary and Mike discuss how solvers have changed the approach to flush draws, especially when considering factors like showdown value and the impact of blockers. They also dive into the intricacies of playing out of position as the pre-flop raiser and how your strategy should change when you're in this more challenging spot.

Additionally, the episode examines playing flush draws as the pre-flop caller, both out of position and in position, offering insights into when to employ check-raises and how to handle various board textures. Gary also provides tips for simplifying your strategy if you're playing lower stakes or live games, with a focus on execution and minimizing errors.

For tournament players, the episode wraps up with essential considerations, such as being mindful of stack sizes and the risk of facing all-in raises that could force you off your equity. This poker strategy podcast is packed with actionable advice to help you improve your game and make more informed decisions when playing flush draws.

Whether you're playing cash games or tournaments, this episode of our poker strategy podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to refine their approach to flush draws and add more depth to their overall poker strategy. Tune in, take notes, and get ready to level up your poker skills!