Lesson 1
Pot Odds Basics
Is the price right? Calculating if a call is profitable.
Poker is about price. If the pot offers you a cheap price to win a lot of money, you should call even with a mediocre hand.
The Formula:
(Amount to Call) / (Total Pot After Bet)
Example: Pot is $100. Opponent bets $50. You must call $50.
Total Pot = $100 (start) + $50 (bet) + $50 (your call) = $200.
50 / 200 = 0.25 (or 25%)
If your chance of winning (Equity) is higher than 25%, you CALL.
Key Takeaways
- • Pot Odds tell you the 'Break-Even' percentage you need.
- • Bigger bets require you to have a better hand to call.
- • Don't guess; estimate the price.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- • Calling big bets with low-percentage draws.
- • Ignoring the pot size entirely.
Worked Example
You Have A Flush Draw
The Board
You have roughly a **36%** chance to hit your Flush. If the Pot Odds require **25%** (like the example above), this is an EASY CALL. You will make money in the long run.
Knowledge Check
Test your understanding to complete this lesson.
Question 1 of 2