Pot odds - trying to make it easier

Amanda A

Amanda A

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So I understand the easy method of working out the value of your hand - multiply your outs by 2 for one card, 4 for 2 cards. I was having trouble on the spot comparing that to what the pot was offering me so I wrote this down

Facing bet 1/5 pot, you need to call 1 to win 6, Pot odds 6:1 You need 1/7 = 14%
…bet 1/4 pot, you need to call 1 to win 5 pot odds 5:1 You need 1/6 = 16.6%
…bet 1/3 pot …call 1 to win 4 Pot odds 4:1 You need 1/5 = 20%
…bet ½ pot …. Call 1 to win 3 Pot odds 3:1 You need 1/4 =25%
… bet 2/3 pot …. Call 2 to win 5 Pot odds 5:2 You need 2/7 = 28%
….bet 3/4 pot …. Call 3 to win 7 Pot odds 7:3 You need 3/10 = 30%
…bet pot… Call 1 to win 2 Pot odds 2:1 You need 1/3= 33%
…bet 1 and 1/3 pot 4/3, Call 4 to win 7 Pot odds 7:4 You need 4/11 = 36%
…bet 1 and ½ pot 3/2 Call 3 to win 5 Pot odds 5: 3 You need 3/8= 37.5%
…bet 1 and 2/3 pot 5/3 Call 5 to win 8 Pot odds 8:5 You need 5/13=38.4%
…bet 2 times pot, Call 2 to win 3 Pot odds 3:2 You need 2/5 = 40%
…bet 3 times pot Call 3 to win 4 Pot odds 4:3 You need 3/7 = 43%
If bet is so large pot becomes irrelevant you will approach needing 50% to call.
So now when I'm playing I can estimate the bet to 1/3 pot or 1/2 pot or 2 times pot and know the percentage I need to call that bet. I just wanted to post this reasoning and make sure it seems right to others. If I'm making mistakes please let me know :)
 
vinnie

vinnie

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I don't normally think "percentages" as I find it adds an extra step. Generally, in hold'em there are 47 or 46 unknown cards. I just divide that by the number of outs I have, and subtract 1. That's the ratio I need.

If I have 8 outs. {47,46} / 8 ~= 6 {5.875,5.75}. Which means I need about 5-1 pot odds, if there are no implied odds. It also helps me visualize the implied odds. Say I am getting 3-1 on the turn (he bets half pot into me), but I need 5-1. That means I need to be able to make at least twice what he bet on the turn when I hit.

That's easier for me to think about when I am making decisions and planning for future streets.
 
Amanda A

Amanda A

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Thanks braveslice and Vinnie. That's interesting Vinnie I never looked at it from that way.
 
T

Thenightrain

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I found it easier to learn by playing live when I could take a bit more time than fast paced online games. Keep practising and you'll soon memorise the common outs which really helps for online play.

Important to combine your outs with the pot odds as this may influence your decision.
 
spawn30

spawn30

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I calculate the size of the bet depending on the style of the game of the villain thereafter if it receives call I deduce what the villain can have in the hand to be calling.
 
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Running Nose II

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I must confess that I have difficulty with percentages and prefer odds, possibly because I was reared on horse racing. I don't find the mental calculation of the number of out to the cards remaining demanding. However if you like percentages, carry on.
 
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CallmeFloppy

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Not a bad cheat sheet to know when to make a call. Keep practicing the math in your head and it will be second nature after a while.
 
vitalicharniak

vitalicharniak

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If you learn how to correctly use the pot odds in poker, this will undoubtedly become a very serious weapon in your poker arsenal. Knowledge or ignorance of this fundamental concept and definition, whether you will be a plus player in the future.
 
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