pot odds question

Amanda A

Amanda A

Legend
Bronze Level
Joined
Feb 23, 2016
Total posts
1,357
Awards
2
Chips
23
Just trying to understand pot odds and want to make sure I'm getting this right.
Someone raises half the pot so pot is offering 3 to 1 odds to call, right? This I believe means I need to win 1/4 or 25% to justify a call.
If after the flop I have 4 cards to a flush I have 9 outs and approximately 19% chance of hitting it on the turn and 36% if I see the turn and river.
So if I only get to see one card the call is not justified and if I get to see both cards it is so how do I know whether to make the call or not? I don't know if my opponent will check the turn. Thanks!
 
SaintNick1968

SaintNick1968

Visionary
Silver Level
Joined
Oct 24, 2016
Total posts
579
Chips
0
Yes, if someone bets half pot you are getting odds of 3:1, or 25% from direct pot odds. As for your question, this is where it gets a bit more complicated. There is another thing called implied odds, which basically means that if you do make your flush, you are likely to get paid more than if you don't hit it, and you also have to factor in that your opponent may or may not barrel on the turn. At this point, it comes down to your estimation of what type of opponent you are playing and how likely they are to pay you. I would very rarely fold a flush draw on the flop to a 1/2 pot bet because you are getting a great price and you almost have good enough direct odds if they don't always barrel the turn, and implied odds will almost certainly make it a profitable call, but sometimes I might consider raising as a bluff, because sometimes they will fold, and if they don't you have a lot of outs to win anyway most of the time. It's very situational and it does not come down to direct maths.

Hope that helps,
Good luck!
 
Amanda A

Amanda A

Legend
Bronze Level
Joined
Feb 23, 2016
Total posts
1,357
Awards
2
Chips
23
Great answer, thanks so much!!!
 
C

CallmeFloppy

Legend
Bronze Level
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Total posts
1,296
Awards
2
Chips
1
Great explanation SaintNick. The one thing I would add is consider your opponent and what they do as well. If your opponent is first to act and is certain to bet out, you have to consider if you are willing to continue or not if you miss. That might limit you to just one card. You also need to factor in that possible second bet to your equation.
 
Poker Odds - Pot & Implied Odds - Odds Calculator
Top