figuring odds

I have been using a simple formula to figure my odds of hitting a hand. It's not completely accurate but very close. I simply multiply the number of outs by the number of cards left to draw and double that number.

Here's an example; I have 2 diamonds in my hand. 2 more diamonds come on the flop. That means I have 2 more cards to get one of the remaining 9 diamonds. So 9x2x2 or a 36% chance of getting the flush.

Here's another example; I get a pocket pair. The odds off me picking up the set on the flop is 2 cards left to hit the set times 3 cards in the flop, doubled (2x3x2) or 12%.

I came up with this and think it's right. What do you folks think?

Hi,
Yeah not a bad way to quicky work out your odds...i use this method:
Say i have a flush draw which gives me 9 outs and there are 2 cards to come i simply multiply by 4 or 2 if there is only one card left.
9x4= 36% (actual % is 34.95) 9x2= 18 (actual % is 19)...so they are both similar methods and get the same results....

It is right enough, it is called the shotgun method. However, some of your outs could improve your hand, and your opponents hand simultaneously. These are known as douts. Some of your outs may be reduced to a half out, etc.

It is important to include what you know about the range of hands that you put your opponetn on.
For example lets say you have pocket 9,9. flop is 78q offsuit. Your opponent holds j,10. Lets say you are getting real good pot odds, even when you lead out. The river comes and you hit your 9 giving you trips. Well, your opponent just made a straight. so your 9 is a dout not an out.

Bill

That's true Bill, but pre flop, there is virtually no way you can put an opponent on any specific unpaired hand. After the flop you may see the striaght possiblity, but the chances of your opponent having the exact 2 cards that will hurt you, suited or not, are 82:1 against or about 1.2%. Not really enough to change Ipsers formula considering it was an approximation to begin with