What are Pot Odds?

Pot odds is a simple and often used calculation that poker players use to help them make a decision about calling an opponents bet.

A quick bit of math

Pot odds are calculated by comparing the money you need to put into the pot to continue with the hand against the current size of the pot. Therefore, if there is currently $500 in the pot and your opponent makes a bet of $250, there is now $750 in the pot and you have to put in $250 to continue with the hand.

Therefore you have to pay $250 to potentially win $750, which is a ratio of 3:1. So you are getting pot odds of 3:1 on your bet.

Compare and decide

The pot odds value becomes relevant when you compare it to the chances of making your hand. Lets say you have a 4:1 chance to make a flush and you calculate that the pot odds of calling your opponent are 2:1, you would see that the call is not worth it. You want the pot odds to be bigger than the chance of making your hand.

Learn to bet correctly

Understanding this concept is important, not just for calling bets, but when you are making them too. If you make small bets compared to the size of the pot, then you will be giving your opponent excellent pot odds to call your bets. Sometimes he will get lucky and cost you money.

Instead, make bets that are strong in relation to the size of the pot. If your opponent is smart and is calculating pot odds, he will fold more often. If he is not, he will call your bets and you will make long term profit. Of course, you should be making those bets with hands that will actually win the hand, although you can throw in some bluffs too.