Poker Outs Chart — The Complete Reference Guide
Counting outs is the foundation of poker math. Every drawing decision — whether to call, raise, or fold — starts with knowing how many cards in the deck will improve your hand. This comprehensive chart covers every common draw type with exact out counts and probabilities.
Complete Outs Reference Table
| Draw Type | Outs | Turn Only | River Only | Turn + River |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One overcard | 3 | 6.4% | 6.5% | 12.5% |
| Inside straight draw (gutshot) | 4 | 8.5% | 8.7% | 16.5% |
| Two overcards | 6 | 12.8% | 13.0% | 24.1% |
| Open-ended straight draw | 8 | 17.0% | 17.4% | 31.5% |
| Flush draw | 9 | 19.1% | 19.6% | 35.0% |
| Flush draw + gutshot | 12 | 25.5% | 26.1% | 45.0% |
| Flush draw + open-ended straight | 15 | 31.9% | 32.6% | 54.1% |
| Flush draw + open-ended + pair | 18 | 38.3% | 39.1% | 62.4% |
The Rule of 2 and 4
The Rule of 2 and 4 is the standard shortcut for converting outs into approximate probabilities without a calculator. It is accurate enough for real-time use at the table:
- On the flop (two cards to come): Multiply outs by 4. Example: 9 outs × 4 = 36% (actual: 35.0%)
- On the turn (one card to come): Multiply outs by 2. Example: 9 outs × 2 = 18% (actual: 19.6%)
The rule is most accurate with 1-9 outs and slightly overestimates with 10+ outs. For very large draws (15+ outs), subtract 1% from the Rule of 4 estimate for better accuracy.
How to Count Outs Step by Step
- Identify your draw. What hand are you trying to make? A flush? A straight? Two pair? Be specific about which cards help you.
- Count the remaining cards of each type. If you need hearts for a flush and have seen 4 hearts (2 in your hand + 2 on the board), there are 13 - 4 = 9 hearts remaining.
- Remove tainted outs.An out that makes your hand but also likely makes your opponent a better hand is a “tainted out.” For example, if you have a flush draw but one of your outs also puts a pair on the board (giving your opponent a possible full house), that out is less valuable.
- Apply the Rule of 2 or 4. Convert your out count into a probability and compare it to the pot odds you are being offered.
Common Counting Mistakes
Double-Counting Combo Draw Outs
When you have both a flush draw and a straight draw, some cards complete both draws simultaneously. Count each card only once. A typical flush draw + OESD has 15 outs, not 17 (9 flush + 8 straight, minus the 2 cards that are both straight and flush completions).
Counting Outs That Make the Opponent's Hand Better
Not all outs are clean. If you have an open-ended straight draw on a two-suited board, some of your straight-completing cards also put a third flush card on the board. Against an opponent who could have a flush draw, those outs lose value. Discount your outs by 1-2 in situations where the board is coordinated and multiple draws are possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are outs in poker?
Outs are the unseen cards that will improve your hand to a likely winner. For example, if you have four hearts, the remaining 9 hearts are your outs for completing a flush.
How does the Rule of 2 and 4 work?
Multiply your outs by 4 on the flop (to estimate probability through the river) or by 2 on the turn (to estimate probability on the next card only). The result is an approximate percentage chance of hitting your draw.
What draw has the most outs?
A combo draw with an open-ended straight draw and a flush draw has up to 15 outs, giving approximately 54% equity from flop to river — making it a slight favorite over most made hands.
Do you count outs twice for combo draws?
No. When a card completes both your straight and flush simultaneously (e.g., a card that is both the right rank and right suit), you count it only once. A typical straight + flush combo draw has 15 outs, not 17.