Poker is a game of skill, patience, and decision-making. One of the most important concepts every poker player — especially beginners — should learn is poker outs.

Why? Because understanding outs helps you figure out your chance of winning a hand, whether you’re playing live or in online poker.

What Are Poker Outs?

Simply put, outs are remaining cards in the deck that will improve your hand and give you a better chance of winning the hand.

For example, if you have four cards to a flush draw — meaning you need one more card of the same suit to complete a flush — any card of that suit left in the remaining cards is considered an out.

Let’s break this down:

• You see your cards and the board (community cards).

• You count how many cards will help improve your hand.

• Each of those cards is an out.

Knowing your outs is the first step in calculating the odds that your hand will improve on the turn and river (the two cards yet to be dealt in Texas Hold’em).

Why Outs Matter in Poker

Outs identify your chance of hitting a drawing hand and influence key decisions like:

• Whether to call a bet

• Whether to fold

• Whether to raise

Beginners often focus only on their current hand, but good players think ahead — considering how likely it is that their hand will get better.

How to Count Your Poker Outs

Counting outs starts with recognizing what hand you are drawing to. Here are common drawing situations:

1. Flush Draw

You have two suited cards, and three cards are on the board.

Example:

You hold A 6. The flop shows 3 9 10.

You have 9 more spades left in the deck (13 spades total minus the 4 you can see). That’s 9 outs.

2. Open-Ended Straight Draw

You have four cards in sequence that can complete a straight on either end.

Example:

You hold 8 9. The flop is 6 7 2.

Any 5 or any 10 gives you a straight. That’s 8 outs (four 5s and four 10s).

3. Inside Straight Draw (Gutshot)

You need one specific card rank to complete a straight.

Example:

You hold 9 10. The board shows 6 8 K.

Only a 7 helps — less likely than the open-ended draw.

Simple Poker Odds: The “Rule of 2 and 4”

Once you’ve counted your outs, you can use a quick mental trick to estimate your chance of improving.

When You Have Two Cards to Come (Turn & River):

Multiply your outs by 4

Example: 9 outs × 4 = 36% chance of hitting one of them.

When You Have One Card to Come (Only the River):

Multiply your outs by 2

Example: 9 outs × 2 = 18% chance.

This isn’t exact, but it’s close enough to help you decide if a call is worth it.

Using a Poker Outs Calculator

For more precise numbers — especially in online poker or complex spots — you can use a poker outs calculator or odds tool.

These calculators help you:

• Count outs accurately

• See exact poker odds for the turn and river

• Compare chances against opponents’ possible hands

Many are available for free online, which is perfect for beginners who are learning the math behind the game.

Outs vs. Pot Odds: Which Matters More?

Outs tell you how many ways your hand can improve. But to make profitable decisions, you should combine this with pot odds — the ratio between the pot size and the cost of calling.

Example:

• Pot = $100

• Your call = $20

• You need to decide if your chance of hitting your outs is worth the risk.

If your estimated chance (based on outs) is higher than the pot odds, calling may be correct.

Learning how to connect outs with pot odds is a key step in calculating poker odds and making smarter choices.

How to Think Like a Winning Poker Player

Here’s how beginners can use outs to improve their game:

1. Count Outs Early

As soon as the flop hits, think about what cards help you.

2. Be Realistic

Not all outs are clean. Some may help your opponent more than they help you.

Example: You draw to a flush, but the board also shows a possible straight flush. One of your outs might give your opponent an even stronger hand.

3. Practice

Use free poker sites to try counting outs in real time. The more you practice, the faster you’ll calculate odds without thinking too hard.

4. Use Odds Tools

A poker odds calculator helps when learning. Over time, many players stop needing it and can calculate in their head.

Common Drawing Hands and Typical Outs

Why Outs Change After the Turn

After the turn card, you often know your exact chances because only one card remains to come.

At this point:

• You can calculate poker odds more precisely

• You can compare your chance to the pot odds

• You can make a high-confidence decision

Many beginning players don’t realize how much better decisions get once you deeply understand outs and odds.

Tips for Beginners

Here are some practical pointers:

• Get Comfortable With Counting

Practice counting outs on every hand, even when you fold. It trains your intuition.

• Use Tools Until You Don’t Need Them

Poker outs calculators and odds charts can boost your learning early on.

• Think Ahead

Poker isn’t just about your current hand — it’s about what could happen on the turn and river.

• Avoid Wishful Thinking

Just because you hope a card comes doesn’t make it likely. Outs give you the real probability.

Final Thoughts

Learning poker outs is one of the best investments a beginner can make. Whether you’re playing free poker, at a casino table, or in online poker games, understanding outs will help you play more confidently and get closer to winning the hand more often.

Play smart. Count your outs. And always keep learning.

FAQ: Poker Outs for Beginners

Q: How do outs relate to odds?

A: Your number of outs helps estimate your chance of hitting a strong hand on the turn and river.

Q: Is there an easy way to calculate odds?

A: Yes — the “Rule of 2 and 4” helps approximate chances using your outs.

Q: Should beginners use a poker outs calculator?

A: Absolutely. It helps you verify calculations and learn the math behind the game.

Q: Are all outs good?

A: Not always. Some outs may give your opponent a better hand, so context matters.