How to calculate poker pot odds

 How to Calculate Poker Pot Odds

I get asked all the time how to calculate the odds of winning poker pots.

I was inspired to create the ultimate guide to poker pot odds. This includes my cheat sheet, and my pot odds chart.

This poker poker odds cheat sheet makes it easy to remember the most common scenarios that you will encounter while playing poker.

What are Poker Pot Odds and How Do They Work?

First, let us define pot odds. These are simply the ratio of what is currently in the pot to how much money you have to pay in order to make the calls.

Consider this: You are playing in a $1/$3 NL NL game. The pot is $500, with the opponent's wager, and you have to pay $250 to make the call.

Your pot odds are either $500:250 or 2:1

How to Calculate Poker Pot Odds

Pot odds are typically expressed as a percentage. But, I find it easier to understand pot odds in percentages.

It's easier to compare percentages, and it is much simpler to use percentages. Simply divide the amount representing your share (the correct number), by the sum of both numbers to calculate the percentage.

If your odds of winning a pot are 2:1, then the percentage would be 1 divided with 2+1, or 1/3. This gives you 33% odds.

Here are more examples...

2 to 1 = 1 out 3 = 33%

3 to 1 against = One out of Every Four = 25%

4 to 1 = 1 out 5 = 20%

5 to 1 = 1 out 6 = 16.7%

This poker pot odds chart is a great way to quickly remember how poker pot odds are calculated.

Cheat Sheet: How to Calculate Poker Pot odds

You can use this poker odds chart like a multiplication chart (remember the ones from high school?). Keep a list of the most popular scenarios so that you can quickly calculate your pot odds in real-time.

Once you have learned how to calculate poker pot odds you can now work out your equity. This will determine your winning chances.

Calculating poker pot odds using the Rule of Four and Two

This is the easiest way to increase your equity.

For every flop, multiply your outs with four.

Take the turn and multiply your outs with two.

This means that you have a 36% chance to make a flush if you have nine outs and have two cards remaining.

If you have one card left, your equity on the next turn would be 9 x 2 or 18%.

For every backdoor draw you have, you can add an additional out if you have a flush draw or open-ended straight.

If you are playing hands on a flop with more than 8 outs, the above shortcut may not be accurate.

Equity = (Number outs x 4) - (Number outs – 8)

If you have equity that is open-ended straight flush draw (15-outs), your equity would look the following:

Equity = (15x4) - 15-8) = 53%*

* If this formula is not used, equity would be 15x4= 60%. This is 7% less than the previous formula. pot odds and implied odds for new poker player