I’ve always used the one out per backdoor draw to calculate my equity on the flop, but I usually don’t give it full credit because I don’t have much confidence in that value and usually having a backdoor draw is a factor I consider more for implied odds than anything else. It’s a contributing factor when deciding to continue and how I intend to play the hand.

Of course, I need a better reason to continue than just having a backdoor draw. There’s a decent chance I’m only going to get to see one card because if I brick and face a big turn bet I’m probably going to have to give up.

If I have other outs, or believe I can outplay my opponent and I think my opponent has a decent enough hand to pay me off, then I will continue often even if I’m not getting the exact pot-odds necessary.

Backdoor draws vary in value from hand to hand, going down in value against a strong opponent likely to push me off my hand on the turn and astute enough to make calculated fold on the river, and up against weak, passive opponents or calling stations that will pay me off. If I’m going to get to see a river card then I’m much more likely to continue.

I think it would be a mistake to look at a backdoor draw as just 4% more equity on the flop, but not as big a mistake as thinking a backdoor draw adds zero equity to your hand. It’s true value is highly circumstantial and depends a lot on your ability to discern the nuances of the hand and have the confidence in your play to make the right moves at the right time.