Without any context pot odds sounds like an interesting mathematical quirk of an inherently mathematical game. Again, just divide the total pot by the amount it costs you to call. Instead of taking the time to figure that out, you know that it is much closer to 4 (4×20=80) than 5 (5×20=100) so you’ll give yourself pretty close pot odds by simply figuring that call as 4:1. If the pot is $85 and you have to call a $20 bet, the exact odds are 4.25 to 1. At least give yourself an approximationĮven if the numbers aren’t as simple, try estimating to get an approximate idea of your odds.

You’re getting 10 to 1 pot odds to make the call. If you’re in a big hand and the pot is $90 on the flop and your lone opponent bets $10 into you, you divide 100 (the existing $90 plus your opponent’s $10) by 10 (the 10 it costs you to call) to come up with 10. While it may seem intimidating, all you have to do is divide the pot by the amount it costs you to call. Using simple addition and division you can at least approximate your pot odds at any given moment. If you’re playing in a live game or on a site that doesn’t show the active pot amount you’ll need to include all money that has been bet instead of just the money sitting in the pot from previous betting rounds. In this instance, it costs you $2 for the chance to win $10. For example, if the pot is $10 and it costs you $2 to call, you are getting 5:1 (spoken “5 to 1”) pot odds. Pot odds are simply the odds that the pot is giving you on your play. Conclusions on why pot odds are so essential.Tournament example to get the “right price” on a call.Hoping for a set on the flop with a pocket pair.At least give yourself an approximation.

How to calculate odds in texas holdem