In Governor of Poker 3 (GOP3), a gutshot refers to a type of straight draw where you need one specific card to complete a straight from the "inside." Also known as an inside straight draw, the gutshot is a draw where only one rank of card can complete the straight. This is in contrast to an open-ended straight draw, which can be completed by two different cards. Since gutshots are less likely to hit, they are considered more risky and often require careful play.
Let’s take a closer look at what a gutshot is, how it compares to other straight draws, and how to play it strategically in Governor of Poker 3.
A gutshot occurs when a player needs a single, specific card to complete their straight. This card is often referred to as being "inside" the sequence of cards that would make a straight, as opposed to an open-ended straight draw, where you can complete the straight with one of two cards at either end of the sequence.
Let’s say you hold 5♣ 6♠ in your hand, and the flop comes 4♦ 8♣ K♠. You currently don’t have a straight, but if a 7 were to come on the turn or river, you would complete a straight. In this scenario, the 7 is the only card that can give you a straight, making it a gutshot draw.
A gutshot straight draw is considered a weaker draw compared to an open-ended straight draw, simply because there’s only one rank of card that can complete the straight, rather than two.
A gutshot is roughly half as likely to hit as an open-ended straight draw, which is why many players are cautious when chasing gutshots.
Chasing a gutshot can be risky because the odds of hitting your inside straight draw are relatively low. However, in certain situations, chasing a gutshot can be profitable, especially if the pot odds justify the call or if you have additional outs, such as a flush draw.
Pot odds are the ratio of the current size of the pot to the cost of your potential call. If the pot is large relative to the size of the bet you need to call, chasing a gutshot may be worthwhile, even though the chances of hitting it are low. You should calculate whether the potential reward justifies the risk.
Sometimes, even if the pot odds don’t seem favorable, the implied odds can make a gutshot worth chasing. Implied odds refer to the potential future bets you can win if you hit your straight and get your opponents to commit more chips.
If several players are involved in the hand, the pot can grow significantly, making it more appealing to chase your gutshot. The bigger the pot, the more likely it is that calling to see the next card is a good decision.
If you’re on a gutshot draw and also have a flush draw or overcards (cards that, if paired, would give you a strong hand), it can improve your overall chances of winning the pot. In these cases, chasing the gutshot becomes more viable because you have multiple ways to improve your hand.
Since a gutshot is a weaker draw, it’s important to play it cautiously. Here are some strategies for playing a gutshot in Governor of Poker 3:
If the betting is light and you’re getting favorable pot odds, you can check or call to see the turn or river. Gutshots don’t hit often, so it’s best to avoid overcommitting chips to the pot unless you believe the potential reward is worth the risk.
One advantage of a gutshot is that it can give you bluffing opportunities. If your opponent checks on a turn card that could have completed your straight, you can represent that you hit your gutshot by betting. Be cautious, though—only bluff if you have reason to believe your opponent might fold.
If the bet size is large and the pot isn’t worth the risk, don’t hesitate to fold your gutshot. Since the odds of hitting are relatively low (about 8.5% per card or 16.5% by the river if both the turn and river are still to come), folding is often the best option unless the pot odds make the call profitable.
If you miss your gutshot on the turn, consider folding to any significant bets on the river unless you believe your opponent is bluffing or you have other outs. The river is your last chance to complete your straight, and chasing it at this point can be a costly mistake.
Understanding the odds of hitting a gutshot is crucial when deciding whether or not to chase it. The chances of hitting a gutshot straight draw depend on whether you’re on the turn or river.
These are lower odds compared to an open-ended straight draw, which has a 17% chance to hit on the turn and about 31.5% by the river.
As mentioned, a gutshot is half as likely to hit as an open-ended straight draw. Therefore, you should generally be more cautious when chasing a gutshot compared to an open-ended draw. However, if you can get to the next street cheaply or if the implied odds suggest that you’ll win a big pot if you hit your straight, it can still be a profitable play.
In the open-ended example, you have two outs instead of just one, making it more likely that you’ll hit your straight.
Shop Governor of Poker 3 Chips at U4GM and unlock a 6% discount by applying coupon code z123 at checkout.
In Governor of Poker 3, a gutshot is an inside straight draw where only one specific card can complete your hand. While it’s a weaker draw compared to an open-ended straight draw, a gutshot can still be valuable in the right situations, especially when the pot odds or implied odds are favorable. However, due to the lower probability of hitting, it’s important to play gutshots cautiously and avoid overcommitting chips.
By understanding when to chase a gutshot and when to fold, you can improve your overall poker strategy and make more informed decisions at the table. With patience and careful calculation, you can turn a gutshot into a winning hand.