Lesson 5: Odds & Outs
In this lesson, you will learn how to calculate the pot odds which are used when deciding whether to play or continue a hand. You will also learn how to determine the odds on drawing a hand from the remaining cards. This lesson will show you how to compare the hand odds versus the pot odds.
Lesson Objectives
- To understand how to calculate the number of outs you have left in a hand
- To be able to calculate the odds of completing a hand
- To be able to assess the value of the pot versus the bet being made
There will be a multiple-choice quiz at the end of the lesson that will test your understanding of the lesson’s concepts.
Introduction
Poker is a game of probability. A good poker player will take the odds into account when deciding whether to continue betting on a certain hand. The chances of finishing a flush or straight, the probability of getting an overcard, and the percentage of times you are going to flop a set to match your pocket pair are all important factors in Texas Hold’em. Knowledge of these statistics is the key to winning.
In online games where there are very few tells, statistical knowledge becomes the main factor when choosing to bet, call, or fold.
There are two different types of odds:
- Outs – The number of cards left in the deck that will improve your hand.
- Pot Odds – The odds you get when analyzing the current size of the pot versus the next call bet to you.
