Pot Odds Article

Pot Odds

What exactly are Pot Odds?

Well, simply put, it is the ratio of the amount that is in the pot vs. the amount you would have to call. So, you guessed it, you use Pot Odds to help decide whether or not you should "chase" and pay for another card to help complete your drawing hand.

And, since you'll often find yourself having to call a bet on a draw, knowing a little about Pot Odds can certainly help your game.

How Can I Use Pot Odds at the Table?

There are three simple steps in using the Pot Odds chart to help determine whether a call is going to be profitable in the long run.

1. Count the number of "outs" you have to complete your hand
2. Look up the X:1 value in the chart
3. Multiply X times the amount of the bet you'd be calling

If the pot is at least as large as the number you get, calling in this situation would be profitable long-term. If it is less, then there isn't enough money already in the pot to make it a profitable call (note the word already, then read the article on Implied Odds later)

Here's a link to a printer-ready version of the Pot Odds Chart, and here's a copy of it for you to look over here:

In order to use the chart, the first task is to count the number of "outs" you have in the situation.