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Poker: Texas Hold'em

Lesson 5: Odds & Outs

Pot Odds

In calculating pot odds, you compare your outs to the chances of winning the pot. If your outs are better than the ratio of the pot size to the current call bet, then you have good pot odds and should make the bet. If your outs are lower than the pot odds, then you should fold.

Example: Starting with a pocket pair of Jacks, a $100 pot, and a call bet of $10

Your outs are two remaining Jacks divided by fifty unseen cards pre-flop or 2-in-50 or 1-in-25.
Your pot odds are $10-to-$100 or 1-in-10.
Your out odds (1-in-25) are less than your pot odds (1-in-10) so you should fold.

Example: Starting with two suited pocked cards, a $200 pot, and a call bet of $10

Your outs to make a flush are thirteen cards in a suit minus your two pocket suited cards so eleven remaining suited cards. Eleven divided by fifty unseen cards pre-flop equals 11-in-50 or 1-in-4.54.

Your pot odds are $10-to-$200 or 1-in-20.

You out odds (1-in-4.54) are greater than your pot odds (1-in-20) so you should go ahead and call the bet.

Example: Starting with consecutive pocket cards plus two more consecutive cards in the flop, a $150 pot, and a call bet of $15

Your outs to make a straight are two cards times four suits or eight remaining cards. Eight divided by forty-seven unseen cards pre-turn equals 8-in-47 or 1-in-6.25.
Your pot odds are $15-to-$150 or 1-in-10.
You out odds (1-in-6.25) are greater than your pot odds (1-in-10) so you should go ahead and make the bet.