Backdoor in Poker
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The world of poker is filled with a myriad of lesser-known but perhaps important terms that often sound confusing at first to amateur poker players. One such term is “backdoor”. In this post, we have outlined the contextual meaning of the term backdoor poker along with the ideal backdoor poker strategy for beginners.
What does the term backdoor poker mean?
The term backdoor poker is commonly used to refer to a hand that needs to catch strong cards on the turn and river rounds to become a winning hand. In other words, backdoor poker is commonly described as a situation in the poker world wherein a player needs just two additional cards from the turn and river rounds to complete his hand.
Now, you might be wondering isn’t the definition of a poker draw on the same lines as well. To be honest, yes! But then there is a difference. When it comes to poker, if a player holds 4 out of the 5 cards needed to make a flush then he is said to be holding a flush draw. On the contrary, when a player holds 3 out of the 5 cards needed to make a flush then he is said to be holding a backdoor flush. A backdoor poker is often regarded as an unintentional hand by poker standards. Precisely because, the probability of a player catching running cards simultaneously on the turn and river rounds is generally less than 4%.
Moving forward, let us understand the concept of backdoor poker better using a short example:
Let’s assume you are playing a game of standard Texas Holdem wherein you have been dealt King of diamonds and Jack of diamonds. The flop round comes and 3 cards namely – Ace of spades, 7 of diamonds and 2 of clubs are dealt face up. Here, if you notice closely, you are actually holding a backdoor flush. How? Because just two more diamond cards on the turn and river rounds and you will effectively be able to make a flush. However, that’s not all go over the example again and you will notice you actually hold a backdoor straight as well. This is because just a queen and a ten on the turn and river rounds and you are close to making a straight.
Backdoor poker strategy
Having understood the meaning of the term backdoor poker, let us now discuss the ideal backdoor poker strategy to ace at any game of poker.
It is generally recommended that a player holding a backdoor poker hand must play his moves as aggressively as possible. Generally speaking, a player who fires a C-bet during the flop round must fire a continuation bet during the turn round as well. However, before firing a C-bet relative to a backdoor poker hand a player must always make a plan detailing with which cards he will fire a C-bet and which one he will avoid.
For instance – in a game of poker, let’s assume you have been dealt Queen of diamonds and 9 of Diamonds. The flop round comes and 3 cards namely 8 of diamonds, 4 of spades and 2 of clubs are dealt face up. Here, relative to the board texture, it would likely be a good idea to elect a C-bet on the Queen of diamonds and 9 of diamonds. However, the same will not be a good idea if you would have been dealt Queen of hearts and Jack of hearts for starting hands.
But here before firing a continuation bet, you must make a plan regarding which turn cards would be considered decent enough for a continuation bet. In the above example, a turn card consisting of diamond, queen, 9, ten or jack would work as an ideal candidate for a continuation bet on the turn round. Precisely because these cards will give you a backdoor flush or even a backdoor straight.
So, now that you know this new term of poker, are you ready to try it out for real? Just register on the GetMega Poker app and start honing your poker skills by playing as many poker games and tournaments as you deem suitable.
