A brief explanation of Texas Hold 'Em Odds

Statistical probability is key in texas hold 'em. Using odds to determine their actions, players weigh the possability of finishing a flush or a straight, the probablity on an overcard, the percentage they'll flop a set to match a pocket pair. Statisical knowledge is key in winning texas hold em and is the main factor when choosing whether to bet, call, or fold.

Odds Terminology

Outs - Number of cards remaining that could improve your hand.
Pot Odds - The odds for the current size of the pot versus your next call.
Bet Odds - The odds for the number of callers to a raise.
Implied Odds - The odds for the assumed result of betting on the remainder of the hand.

Outs and Pot Odds are most commonly used in Texas Holdem poker. As you can imagine, having a quick mind for simple math will have an effect on your success. If you need to brush up on simple division you should do so before you start playing. To caculate your odds simply divide the number of cards remaining that could improve your hand (Outs), by the number of cards you have not seen. The result is the percentage chance (Odds) of making one of those Outs. With a little practice you'll soon be dividing small numbers by 50 (pre-flop), 47 (after the flop), or 46 (after the turn) quite quickly and be a master at figuring odds. Remember not to calculate your opponent's cards or the burn cards when weighing your odds. As cards you have not seen, the opponent's and burn cards still figure into the total number of unseen cards that you divide by your outs.

Like Outs, Pot odds are easy to calculate. Simply compare the number of Outs to the size of the pot. If your Outs are significantly better then the ratio of the pot size to a bet, then you have good pot odds. If it's lower, then you have bad pot odds. When to call may depend upon your pot odds.

Bet Odds and Implied Odds are a little tougher as they involve the prediction of reactions by other players. Factoring in how many people are going to call a raise determines Bet Odds. Implied odds is about reactions for the rest of the game.

Once you mastered simple Outs and Pot Odds, Bet Odds and Implied Odds are simply longer extension of these equations. So go ahead and try playing for free for a while and you'll see, Bet Odds and Implied Odds will become almost automatic.

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