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Glossary Term
Belly Buster
Belly Buster
Used In: Poker
Introduction
A “belly buster” in poker refers to a specific type of straight draw. It happens when a player has four cards to a straight but is missing one in the middle. This draw is also called an “inside straight draw” because the missing card is surrounded by the other cards in the sequence, making it harder to complete.
For example, imagine a player holds 7-8, and the community cards show 5-6-10. The player needs a 9 to complete the straight. This is a belly buster because the missing card is in the middle of the sequence. Unlike an open-ended straight draw, where the player can complete the straight with a card at either end, the belly buster only works with one specific card.
A belly buster has lower odds of hitting compared to other straight draws. While an open-ended draw has eight outs (four cards on each end), a belly buster only has four outs—one card in the middle of the sequence. Because of this, it’s a less favorable draw, but it can still be useful if a player is in the right situation.
In Depth Look
A belly buster, or inside straight draw, occurs when a player holds four consecutive cards to a straight but needs a specific card in the middle to complete the hand. For example, if a player has 7-8 and the board shows 5-6-10, they would need a 9 to complete the straight. This type of draw is considered less favorable than an open-ended straight draw because it only has four possible outs—one card in the middle of the sequence—while an open-ended draw has eight outs (four cards at each end). This makes the odds of hitting a belly buster smaller.
In poker, understanding the strength of a belly buster draw is important, as it affects decision-making. While it can potentially complete a strong hand, it’s not as likely to do so as other types of draws. Players with a belly buster often need to weigh their chances of completing the straight against the pot odds and the strength of their opponents’ hands. In some situations, especially when drawing to a strong hand or when there’s little betting action, chasing a belly buster can be worth it, but it’s typically a more risky play due to the lower odds of success.
While a belly buster draw offers the potential to complete a straight, it’s less favorable than an open-ended straight draw due to the limited number of outs and lower odds of success.
Mechanics
The mechanics of a belly buster in poker revolve around the concept of drawing to a straight, but with a twist. When a player has four cards in a sequential order, but needs one specific card in the middle to complete the hand, they are on a belly buster draw. For example, if a player holds 7-8 and the community cards are 5-6-10, they are missing a 9 to complete the straight. This draw is more difficult to hit compared to other straight draws because it relies on a single card in the center of the sequence, whereas open-ended straight draws can be completed with cards from both ends of the sequence.
The chances of completing a belly buster are relatively low. With only four outs (one card in the middle), the odds of hitting a belly buster are about 8.5% on the turn or river, assuming no other players are holding the required card. This makes it a less reliable draw, and players must consider their position, the size of the pot, and the strength of their opponents’ hands when deciding whether to continue chasing the draw. Despite the lower probability, in certain situations, a belly buster can be worth pursuing, particularly if the player is in a favorable position or if the pot odds justify the risk.
Illustrated Example
Imagine a player holds 7♠8♠ and the flop comes 5♣6♦10♥. The player has four consecutive cards, but they need a 9 to complete their straight, making this an example of a belly buster or inside straight draw. The player’s hand, 7-8, is missing the 9, which would complete a straight from 5 to 10. Since the 9 is the only card that can complete the straight, this hand has fewer outs compared to an open-ended straight draw, which can be completed with multiple cards at both ends of the sequence.
In this scenario, the odds of completing the belly buster are lower than other straight draws because only one specific card—the 9—will complete the hand. With a total of four outs (the four 9s remaining in the deck), the player has about an 8.5% chance of hitting their draw on either the turn or river. Players with this kind of hand need to carefully consider the pot odds and whether continuing to chase the draw is worth the risk, especially if their opponents have strong hands or if the pot isn’t large enough to justify chasing a low-probability draw.
| Player Hand | Flop | Required Card | Outs | Probability of Hitting (Turn or River) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7♠8♠ | 5♣6♦10♥ | 9 (any suit) | 4 | 8.5% |
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Player Perspective
From the player's perspective, a belly buster draw can be both a risky and rewarding situation. When holding a hand like 7♠8♠ on a board that shows 5♣6♦10♥, the player knows they need the 9 (of any suit) to complete their straight. While this draw offers the potential for a strong hand, it’s important for the player to understand the odds. With only four outs available, the chance of completing the straight is relatively low, and chasing this draw can be costly, especially if the pot isn’t large enough to justify the risk. The player must carefully weigh the value of continuing in the hand versus folding and saving their chips for a more favorable opportunity.
In some cases, a player may decide to pursue a belly buster draw when the pot odds are favorable, meaning the potential reward justifies the risk of missing the draw. If the player is in a position where they can afford to see one more card or if they suspect their opponents are not holding strong hands, they may choose to stay in the hand. However, if the player faces significant betting from opponents with likely stronger hands, they may choose to fold, recognizing that the probability of completing the draw and winning the pot is slim. Understanding when to chase and when to fold is crucial in playing a belly buster draw effectively.
Conclusion
A belly buster draw is a challenging but potentially rewarding situation in poker. It occurs when a player has four consecutive cards to a straight but needs one specific card in the middle of the sequence to complete the hand. While the odds of hitting a belly buster are lower compared to other straight draws, understanding the situation and weighing the pot odds against the risk is key to making the right decision. Players must consider factors such as their position, the strength of their opponents' hands, and the size of the pot before deciding whether to continue chasing the draw. With careful judgment, a belly buster can sometimes lead to a successful hand, but it’s essential to approach it with caution given its relatively low probability of success.
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Author
Branimir Ivanov | Senior News Contributor