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Holdem Poker Basics |
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Pot odds are the odds the pot is
giving you for calling a bet. If there is
$100 in the pot and the final bet is
$20, you are getting 5-to-1 odds for
your call. It is essential to know pot
odds to figure out expectation.
Continuing the example, if you think
you still need to improve your hand to
win and the odds of improving your
hand are better than 5-to-1 (e.g.
3-to-1), then the correct the correct decision is to fold. The basic logic here is that over the long run, positive expected value
will be realised into real profits and negative expected value will lead to losses.
You still need to have some idea of what hand you need to win at showdown, because
while you may be able to improve your hand it may still not be enough to win. A good
example is, if you think your opponent already has made a flush but you could improve
your hand to a straight then you would not consider the straight as a possible
improvement to win the hand. In this case, we would need to be able to draw for a
higher flush, full house or better to consider pot odds of just calling. When you are
calling with no outs, you are drawing dead.
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You calculate the pots by working out how many unseen cards can help you against the
number of unseen cards that won't help you. So for example, you are on the turn with a
flush draw. You are holding two spades and there are two spade cards that will help you
and 35 cards that won't help you. So the odds of you making your flush on the river is
35-to-9 or 3.8-to-1. If a player is betting into you and giving you pot odds 5-to-1, then
the correct decision is to call. If on the other hand he has bet enough to make it 1-to-1 >
pot odds, then the correct decision is to fold (assuming you need to make the flush to
win the hand).
Another side point here is that, if you already have the best hand, don't let other players
draw out for free. The conservative and safe play is to always price the drawing hands
out by raising the pot odds enough. If you think you can make more money by slow
playing a strong hand, know that you are risking losing the best hand by giving a free
draw so you need to be able to fold if you are drawn out on. Some people will still call
even with incorrect pot odds. Don't worry too much because while they may have stolen
this hand, over the long run this player will lose money making those calls (hopefully
with interest back into your own bankroll !!).
Stay in the money by knowing when to hold them and fold them. Good Luck!
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