What is a Combo Draw in Poker?

Introduction

In no-limit poker, some of the most profitable hands aren’t made hands at all, they are drawing hands with multiple ways to win. Combo draws are prime examples of this. These hands combine two or more strong drawing possibilities, such as a flush draw and a straight draw, giving players both high equity and strategic flexibility.

Here’s everything you need to know about how to identify and play combo draws.

What is a Combo Draw?

A combo draw is a hand that offers two or more different drawing possibilities. Generally, these include a combination of:

• A flush draw (4 cards to a flush)
• A straight draw (gutshot, open-ended, double gutter)
• Additional overcards, pair outs, or even backdoor draws

Example of a Combo Draw

Hole Cards: 9♠ 8♠
Flop: 7♠ 6♣ 2♠

Here’s what you have:

Open-Ended Straight Draw: You make a straight with a 5 or a 10

Flush Draw: Any spade gives you a flush

That’s 15 outs total:

• 9 spades (excluding the two in your hand and one on the flop)
•  3 remaining 5s (one of which is the 5♠, already counted)
• 3 remaining 10s (one of which is the 10♠, already counted)

After accounting for overlap, that’s 15 clean outs.

Math Behind the Combo Draw

To evaluate the strength of combo draws, we rely on equity and odds.

Approximate Equity with 15 Outs:

On the flop, your chances of hitting at least one of your outs by the river is roughly 54%.

On the turn, your chances of hitting by the river drop to around 32%.

This kind of equity is comparable to, and sometimes better than, top pair!

Strategic Importance of Combo Draws

Combo draws give you multiple tactical advantages, making them some of the most profitable hands to play aggressively.

1. Semi-Bluff Power

Combo draws are ideal for semi-bluffs. You may not have the best hand right now, but your equity is high if called, and you often force folds from better hands.

2. Fold Equity + Pot Equity

You're attacking the pot with:

Fold equity: The chance your opponent folds now

Pot equity: The chance you hit a strong hand if they call

This two-pronged pressure makes you extremely dangerous.

3. Range Balance in Advanced Play

Combo draws let you balance your betting ranges. You’re not just betting with top pairs or sets, you’re mixing in strong draws that can hit on future streets. That keeps opponents guessing.

When to Play Combo Draws Fast or Slow

Types of Combo Draws (and What They Beat)

Here are various combo draw types with examples:

Combo Draws in Tournaments vs. Cash Games

How Do Combo Draws Compare to Made Hands?

It might surprise beginners, but combo draws often outperform one-pair hands in terms of equity on the flop.

Example:

You: J♠ T♠ on 9♠ 8♣ 2♠ (flush + open-ended)

Opponent: A♣ A♦ (overpair)

You actually have ~54% equity against the aces. Even if you don’t have anything yet, you're the statistical favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a combo draw in poker?

A combo draw is a drawing hand that gives you multiple ways to improve, usually a combination like a flush draw and a straight draw. For example, holding 9♠8♠ on a 7♠6♣2♠ flop gives you an open-ended straight draw and a flush draw. These hands offer high equity and are ideal for aggressive play, as you have several outs to strong hands like straights, flushes, or top pairs.

How many outs does a combo draw have?

Most strong combo draws have between 12 and 15 outs. For example, with a flush draw (9 outs) and an open-ended straight draw (8 outs), you don’t always have 17 outs because some overlap (like the 5♠ or 10♠) counts for both. After removing duplicates, you usually end up with 14–15 clean outs, which gives you strong chances to improve on the turn or river.

Are combo draws stronger than top pair?

On the flop, combo draws often have more equity than top pair. For instance, a flush + straight draw can have 50–60% equity against top pair or even an overpair. However, top pair is currently a made hand, so if no draw completes, it wins. Combo draws are powerful because they allow both fold equity through bluffs and real equity if called.

Conclusion

Combo draws are among the most profitable hands in poker. They offer strong equity, multiple ways to improve, and the ability to play aggressively without taking reckless risks. Combo draws sit perfectly between made hands and pure bluffs, making them essential for a balanced and unpredictable playing style.