Open-Ended Straight Draw (OESD)
A straight draw that can be completed by a card at either end. Has 8 outs (about 31.5% with two cards to come).
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What Is Open-Ended Straight Draw (OESD)?
For example, holding 7-8 on a 9-6-2 board gives an open-ended straight draw, since either a 5 or a 10 completes the straight. This is stronger than a gutshot straight draw, which can only be completed by one specific rank. OESDs are common semi-bluffing hands due to their strong equity against many made hands.
Examples
With 6-5 on a 7-4-2 board, he had an open-ended straight draw needing an 8 or a 3.
The open-ended straight draw gave her roughly 32% equity to complete her hand by the river.
Strategy Tips
Use open-ended straight draws as strong semi-bluffing candidates, since they combine solid equity with good bluffing potential. Compare pot odds to your roughly 32% equity with two cards to come when deciding whether to call a bet. Be aware of possible flush draws or better straight draws on the board that could counterfeit your outs. Consider raising with an OESD in position to apply pressure while retaining the equity to improve.