What Are Pot Odds?
Pot odds are the ratio of the pot size to the amount you must pay to stay in the hand. If the pot contains 100 chips and you must pay 50 to call, your pot odds are 3:1. You need to win at least 25% of the time for the call to be profitable.
What is Equity?
Equity is your percentage share of the pot based on hand strength. If you have 40% equity, you will statistically win 40% of the pot over the long run.
How to Combine Them?
The rule is simple: if your equity is higher than the required pot odds, the call is profitable.
- The pot contains 200 and the opponent bets 100. After your call the pot will be 400.
- You must pay 100 out of 400 = you need 25% equity.
- Flush draw (9 outs) on the turn = ~19%. Not enough — fold.
- Flush draw + overcard (12 outs) = ~26%. The call is profitable.
Implied Odds
Implied odds account for money you can win in future betting rounds if you hit your hand. They work best when you have position and your draw is hidden.
Practical Application
Memorize the Rule of 2 and 4: multiply outs by 2 on the turn or by 4 on the flop for approximate equity. Flush draw (9 outs) on the turn = 9x2 = ~18%. On the flop = 9x4 = ~36%.