How To Calculate Pot Odds
How to Calculate Pot Odds? To calculate the pot odds, you must compare the money that you may potentially win to the money that is required for making the call. You may win 110$ (70$ in the pot plus 20$ from each opponent) and need 20$ to make the call. Pot Odds are simply the price that the pot is giving us to call right now, based on how much it is to stay in the pot and how much the pot will be after calling. Example: The pot is 50. Your opponent bets another 50, so there is now 100 in the pot. It is 50 to call, so we are getting pot odds of 100-50, or simply 2-1 to call.
- Pot Odds Practice
- Pot Odds Example
- How To Calculate Pot Odds Quickly
- How To Calculate Pot Odds Quickly
- How To Calculate Poker Odds In Your Head
Pot odds is a fundamental and mathematical concept used in poker. Before you understand what pot odds are, take a look at the options below:
Option A: If you risk 1 cookie, you will get 2 cookies.
Option B: If you risk 1 cookie, you will get 5 cookies.
Which option will you choose? Definitely option B. You get 5 cookies for risking 1 cookie!
What if I replace cookie with 1 million dollars? How will it look like?
Option A: If you risk $1 million, you will get $2 million.
Option B: If you risk $1 million, you will get $5 million.
Notice any difference? The values have changed, but the ratio between the reward and risk is still the same. If you have noticed this difference, you have already grasped the meaning of pot odds!
So, without any further ado, let’s delve into the fundamental concept in poker!
What are Pot Odds in Poker?
Poker pot odds are a mathematical expression of risk and reward. Pot odds tell you how much do you need to risk in order to win a reward. It is the ratio between the reward and the risk.
Reward = Pot to be Won
The pot can be at any point of the game – preflop, flop, turn or river.
Risk = How much you need to risk in order to win the pot
The risk is the size of someone’s bet/raise/re-raise you are facing. It is the amount you need to call in order to win the pot.
Pot odds = Reward : Risk
It is the ratio of the size of the pot (reward) to the amount you have to call (risk).
For example:
If there is $6 in the pot and your opponent bets $3, the pot becomes $9. In order to win the pot of $9, you need to call $3. So, what are the odds?
Reward = $9 (Size of the Pot)
Risk = $3 (Size of the Call)
Pot Odds = $9(Reward):$3(Risk)
= 9:3, which can be simplified to 3:1
Hence, the pot odds are 3:1. You can look at these odds in two ways.
- You need to pay 1/3 of the pot for a chance to win the whole pot
- You will get 3X the reward of your risk
Poker Pot Odds Example
Alert! This can be a bit mathematical but an easy hack to learn the odds quickly is available right after the example.
So, have some patience and continue reading…
In this example, we will not be looking at the hole cards so that you are solely focussed on the concept of poker odds.
Here’s the situation: You are on the Button in a $1/$2 6-max game. The Under the Gun (UTG) calls $2. The Middle Position (MP) raises to $5. Let’s calculate the pot odds.
If you don’t know what positions are, go through this: Poker Positions Explained
Preflop
Total pot (Reward) = $1 (small blind) +$2 (big blind) + $2 (UTG’s call) + $5 (MP’s raise)
= $10
Amount to Call (Risk) = $5
Pot Odds = $10 (Reward):$5 (Risk)
= 2:1
You decide to call, and others fold. The total pot is now $15 ($10 in the pot + $5 your call)
Flop
On the flop, the MP makes a half-size pot bet of $7.5. What are the odds now?
Total Pot = $15 (already in the pot) + $7.5 (MP’s bet)
= $22.5
Amount to Call = $7.5
Pot Odds = $22.5:$7.5
= 3:1
You decide to call, and the total pot is now $30 ($22.5 in the pot +$7.5 your call).
Turn
On the turn, the MP makes a quarter of a pot-size bet of $7.5. What are the odds now?
Total Pot = $30 (already in the pot) + $7.5 (MP’s bet)
= $37.5
Amount to Call = $7.5
Pot Odds = $37.5:$7.5
= 5:1
You decide to call, and the total pot is now $45 ($37.5 in the pot + $7.5 your call).
River
On the river, the MP makes a full pot-size bet of $45. What are the odds now?
Total Pot = $45 (already in the pot) + $45 (MP’s bet)
= $90
Amount to Call = $45
Pot Odds = $90:$45
= 2:1
The pot odds on the river is now 2:1. So, if you call, you will get 2X the reward for your call.
As you can see, the odds increase or decrease on different streets. By using the poker odds, you get a clear picture of the reward you will earn for the risk you take.
A Shortcut to Know Your Pot Odds
An easy way to know the odds is to know how much is in the pot and the percentage of the pot your opponent bets.
- What’s the Pot Size?
- What Percentage of the Pot is Your Opponent Betting?
For example, if the pot is $100 and your opponent bets $25, you can say that he is making a 1/4 pot-size bet or he is betting 25% of the pot.
You can save this chart or print it and paste it on a wall next to your computer.
Why are Pot Odds used in Poker?
Pot odds tell you the ratio between the reward and the risk. It helps you to understand how much you need to risk to win the reward. But the real question is, “Is it worth the risk?” For that, you need to compare your card odds with the pot odds.
What are Card Odds?
It is the ratio of cards in the deck that you don’t want to the cards that you want. In other words, it is the ratio of unwanted cards and outs. If you don’t know what outs are, you can click here: How to Calculate Outs in Poker.
Card Odds = Cards we don’t need : Cards we need
Let’s look at the example below to understand this concept better:
Your Hand: 7♦ 6♦
Flop: 8♦ K♣ 2♦
Your opponent bets $25 into a pot of $100. The total pot is $125. You need to call $25 for a chance to win $125.
So, the pot odds are $125:$25 or 5:1.
In this scenario, you have 9 outs to complete your flush draw. Let’s calculate the odds now.
- A deck has 52 cards.
- We know 5 cards out of those 52 cards – Our 2 Hole Cards and 3 cards on the Flop.
- 52 – 5 = 47. There are 47 cards in the deck that we don’t know.
- There are 9 outs that will help us to make the flush. We need those 9 cards (outs).
- 47 – 9 = 38. We don’t need those 38 cards.
- Card Odds = Cards we don’t need : Cards we need
- Card Odds = 38:9
- 38:9 can be simplified as 4.2:1 or roughly 4:1
The card odds tell us that the odds of hitting a diamond-suited card is 4:1. This means that there is a possibility that a diamond-suited card is in the deck once every 4 cards. In other words, for every 4 times, you won’t hit a diamond, 1 time you will.
Compare Pot Odds with Card Outs
The golden rule is that thepot odds should be greater than the card outs. When the odds from the pot are bigger than the odds of hitting an out, you will be winning more money than losing in the long run. So, the reward should be bigger than the risk.
Pot Odds > Card Outs
In the above example, we have the following odds:
Pot Odds = 5:1
Card Odds = 4:1
Pot Odds > Card Outs
We should call here as the pot odds are greater than card odds.
Card Odds Chart
It may be very difficult to do the addition and division to find the card odds while playing poker. You can save this card odds chart or print it to paste it on the wall. The chart has the common draw scenarios with the poker outs that you might face while playing poker. With a bit of practice, you will remember the important card odds.
* The last column All-in on the Flop (2 Cards to Come) is in a situation when you or your opponent go all-in on the flop. In an all-in situation, you don’t have to call bets on the turn or river. So, you will see 2 cards till the river. Seeing 2 cards instead of 1 improves your odds.
Let’s look at the example below for a quick exercise.
Your Hand: 7♦ 6♦
Turn: 8♦ K♣ 2♦ J♠
You have a flush draw with 9 outs.
Bet Size #1
Your opponent makes a quarter of a pot-size bet of $25 into a pot of $100. The total pot is now $125. You need to call $25 for a chance to win $125.
Pot Odds: 5:1 ($125:$25)
Card Odds: 4.1:1 (Look at the chart)
Pot Odds > Card Odds
Here, you can call as the pot odds are greater than the card odds. This means that you will be winning more money than losing in the long run.
Bet Size #2
In the same example, if your opponent makes a full pot-size bet of $100 into a pot of $100, the total pot becomes $200. You need to call $100 for a chance to win $200.
Pot Odds: 2:1 ($200:$100)
Card Odds: 4.1:1 (Look at the chart)
Card Odds > Pot Odds
Here, the card odds are greater than the pot odds. Although you might hit a flush on the river, calling here won’t be profitable in the long run. So, it will be wise to fold here.
Calculating Pot Odds Using the Percentage Method
Another way of calculating odds in poker is by using the percentage method. There are three simple steps in calculating the odds using the percentage method.
Step 1: Calculate the Final Pot
This is the major difference between the ratio method and the percentage method. In the percentage method, you need to add your call amount to the total pot to calculate the final pot. For example, if there is $6 in the pot and your opponent bets $3, the total pot becomes $9. Now add your call amount, which is $3, to calculate the final pot.
Total Pot = $6 (Already in the pot) + $3 (Opponent’s Bet)
= $9
Final Pot = $9 (Total Pot) + $3 (Call Amount)
= $12
Step 2: Divide the Call Amount by the Final Pot
Call Amount = $3
Final Pot = $12
3/12 = 0.25
Step 3: Multiply by 100
Multiply by 100 to get the percentage.
0.25 X 100 = 25%
So, the pot odds are 25%.
Poker Pot Odds Example Using the Percentage Method
Alert! This can be a bit mathematical but an easy hack to learn the odds quickly is available right after the example.
So, have some patience and continue reading…
Let’s review the example without looking at the hole cards to find the odds percentage.
You are on the Button in a $1/$2 6-max game. The Under the Gun (UTG) calls $2. The Middle Position (MP) raises to $5. Let’s calculate the odds.
Preflop
Total pot = $1 (small blind) +$2 (big blind) + $2 (UTG’s call) + $5 (MP’s raise)
= $10
Amount to Call = $5
Final Pot = $10 (Total Pot) + $5 (Call Amount)
= $15
Pot Odds = $5 (Call Amount) / $15 (Final Pot)
= 0.33
0.33 X 100 = 33%
So, the pot odds are 33%.
You decide to call, and others fold. The total pot is now $15 ($10 in the pot + $5 your call)
Flop
On the flop, the MP makes a half-size pot bet of $7.5. What are the odds now?
Total Pot = $15 (already in the pot) + $7.5 (MP’s bet)
= $22.5
Amount to Call = $7.5
Final Pot = $22.5 (Total Pot) + $7.5 (Call Amount)
= $30
Pot Odds = $7.5 (Call Amount) / $30 (Final Pot)
= 0.25
0.25 X 100 = 25%
So, the pot odds are 25%.
You decide to call, and the total pot is now $30 ($22.5 in the pot +$7.5 your call).
Turn
On the turn, the MP makes a quarter of a pot-size bet of $7.5. What are the odds now?
Total Pot = $30 (already in the pot) + $7.5 (MP’s bet)
= $37.5
Amount to Call = $7.5
Final Pot = $37.5 (Total Pot) + $7.5 (Call Amount)
= $45
Pot Odds Practice
Pot Odds = $7.5 (Call Amount) / $45 (Final Pot)
= 0.17
0.17 X 100 = 17%
So, the pot odds are 17%.
You decide to call, and the total pot is now $45 ($37.5 in the pot + $7.5 your call).
River
On the river, the MP makes a full pot-size bet of $45. What are the odds now?
Total Pot = $45 (already in the pot) + $45 (MP’s bet)
= $90
Amount to Call = $45
Final Pot = $90 (Total Pot) + $45 (Call Amount)
= $135
Pot Odds = $45 (Call Amount) / $135 (Final Pot) = 0.33
0.33 X 100 = 33%
So, the pot odds are 33%.
A Shortcut to Know Your Pot Odds Percentage
An easy way to know the odds is to know how much is in the pot and the percentage of the pot your opponent bets.
- What’s the Pot Size?
- What Percentage of the Pot is Your Opponent Betting?
For example, if the pot is $100 and your opponent bets $25, you can say that he is making a 1/4 pot-size bet or he is betting 25% of the pot.
You can save this pot odds chart or print it and paste it on a wall next to your computer.
How is the Percentage used in Poker?
In the percentage method, you need to find the card equity and compare it with odds percentage to make a decision. Card equity is as same as card odds. Instead of using a ratio, it is expressed in percentage.
How to Find Card Equity?
Card equity can be accurate if you know what range of hands your opponents are holding. There are many equity calculators available online. Since this is an introductory chapter on poker pot odds, we will teach you the simplest way to calculate card equity.
On the Flop Waiting for the Turn – Number of Outs X 4
On the Turn Waiting for the River – Number of Outs X 2
Let’s look at the example below to calculate the equity.
Your Hand: 7♦ 6♦
Flop: 8♦ K♣ 9♠
You have an open-ended straight draw with 8 outs.
Equity = 8 outs x 4
= 32%
Turn: 8♦ K♣ 9♠ 2♥
Equity = 8 x 2
= 16%
Compare Pot Odds with Equity
The golden rule is that theequity should be greater than the pot odds. When the equity is greater than the pot odds, you will be winning more money than losing in the long run. Here, the reward is bigger than the risk.
Pot Odds Example
Equity > Pot Odds
Let’s look at the example below to compare the odds and equity.
Your Hand: 7♦ 6♦
Turn: 8♦ K♣ 2♦ J♠
You have a flush draw with 9 outs.
Bet Size #1
Your opponent makes a quarter of a pot-size bet of $25 into a pot of $100. The total pot is now $125. The final pot is $150 (total pot + call amount).
Pot Odds: 17% (25/150 X 100)
Equity: 9 (outs) X 2 (Turn)
= 18%
Equity > Pot Odds
Here, you can call as the equity is greater than the pot odds. This means that you will be winning more money than losing in the long run.
Bet Size #2
In the same example, if your opponent makes a full pot-size bet of $100 into a pot of $100, the total pot becomes $200. The final pot is $300 (total pot + call amount).
How To Calculate Pot Odds Quickly
Pot Odds: 33% (100/300 X 100)
Equity: 9 (outs) X 2 (Turn)
= 18%
Pot Odds > Equity
Here, the pot odds are greater than the equity. Although you might hit a flush on the river, calling here won’t be profitable in the long run. So, it will be wise to fold here.
An easy way to find out how much equity is required for you to call is to find out the percentage of the pot your opponent bets. Remember these odds against your opponent’s bet sizes.
Conclusion
It might be a little overwhelming for the first time to grasp the concept of pot odds. However, with a bit of practice, you will get used to it. We recommend you to save all the charts or print them and paste it on the wall to take quick decisions. Poker is a mathematical game, and if you get your numbers right, you will always win money in the long run!
Getting down the basic fundamentals of pot odds and implied odds will help you make better decisions in terms of the price you’re getting to continue. And being cognizant of reverse implied odds situations so you can look to avoid them and the costly spots they can put you in will help save you a lot of chips in the long run.
Pot Odds
Pot Odds are simply the price that the pot is giving us to call right now, based on how much it is to stay in the pot and how much the pot will be after calling.
Example:
- The pot is 50. Your opponent bets another 50, so there is now 100 in the pot.
- It is 50 to call, so we are getting pot odds of 100-50, or simply 2-1 to call.
- In terms of equity, we are adding 33% to the pot. If we call and win the pot 33% of the time, we break even in the long run and this is an equitable call.
Here is a table of common pot odds calculations:
Implied Odds
Implied Odds refer to money that we can reasonably expect to win on future streets when improved to the best hand. These do take some additional estimation so may not be exact, but useful nonetheless.
We’ll use the example from above:
- You make the 50 call with suited connectors and you’ve flopped a flush draw.
- The chance to make the flush on the turn is roughly 4-1 (4.55-1, to be precise).
- You’re only getting 2-1 pot odds to call, so you’re not being given a good price to call with a flush draw.
- However, considering that there are still two more rounds of betting to come, you can reasonably expect to win more from making the call and turning the flush
Reverse Implied Odds
This one is more referential of a situation where the implied odds of continuing in the hand does not represent the true value, and you start to consider how much you will lose by making the desired hand because of the nature of the action that has taken place already.
For example:
- You bet 50 preflop with King-Jack offsuit.
- The Button 3-bets (reraises) you to 200. The price of calling is 150.
- Consider that your opponent’s typical 3-betting range will be cards which dominate your KJ. For instance, if the opponent holds AK/AA and the flop is king-high, or the opponent holds QQ/AJ and the flop is jack-high, you may well continue putting money into the pot with top-pair despite holding the losing hand.
- When KJ is winning, you don’t expect to see much value from future streets. For instance, against a small pocket pair, a jack-high board will limit the value which can be implied.
- Therefore, KJ is a hand which suffers from distinct Reverse Implied Odds. For similar reasons, this can also arise if you are calling to see a spade flush with one low spade, or you are on the low end of a straight-draw.
Conclusion
Calculating odds, outs and probabilities can seem difficult and time-consuming but the basics are quite simple and the ability to make simple calculations can help you build a very solid foundation for your game. This part of poker is worth learning, especially if you intend to progress further in the game.
How To Calculate Pot Odds Quickly
If you continually play draws without getting the right odds, you will lose money in the long run. There will always be players who don’t care about odds and call too often. These players will occasionally get lucky and win a pot, but mostly they will lose and pay for it. On the other hand, you might be folding draws in situations where the odds are favorable.
How To Calculate Poker Odds In Your Head
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