What Are Pot Odds?
If you’ve been playing online poker even for a short time, this is one of the questions you’ll have asked yourself. “What are pot odds?” This means poker pot odds. Pot odds are what we get when we compare the size of the pot with the cost of the call. As we know, drawing odds is a huge part of poker. The continuing riddle of poker hand probability is what keeps bringing us back to the game. The hope that this time, we’ll beat the odds. This is as true of Texas Hold’Em as it is of any other form of Poker. Poker has an alluring quality, because the more you learn about it, the more you want to try your luck. Fortunately, finding quality tutorials and opportunities to play the game is not difficult.
Poker Pot Odds
‘Doing the math’ is essential when working out poker pot odds. You don’t have to be a mathematical genius. But some familiarity with the necessary calculations is essential. Don’t worry, you’ll get better with practice. Once you’ve figured out the odds of your gaining a winning hand, or counting your outs, you must then work out the poker pot odds. Once that’s done, it’s essential to compare the two calculations. As And remember, don’t call unless your pot odds are greater than your chances of hitting a winning hand. Never reveal your hand. Discretion is essential. Your poker hand probability is your greatest weapon, but psychology is too. Drawing odds are part of it. Whether it’s live poker or online poker, the same principles apply.
Drawing Odds
So you’ve counted your outs and figured your chances of gaining a winning hand – or not. You’ve calculated the poker pot odds. And don’t say by now that you don’t understand what are pot odds. With both sets of figures before you, do you think you have a chance of coming out winning if you call? Or would you rather fold? Only you can decide. Drawing odds is a skill. Can you read your opponent? Do they have a better hand? In a contact game you might have the ability to read your opponent’s expression to some extent. That doesn’t happen in an online game. It’s educated guesswork all the way. It’s a matter of swings and roundabouts. And poker hand probability.
Poker Hand Probability
With 52 cards in a deck, the chances of being dealt say, the four of spades, is one in fifty-two(1/52). After that, the chances of being dealt the five of hearts is one in fifty-one (1/51). With one card gone, the deck is reduced. Likewise, the chances of being dealt an ace are four in fifty-two (4/52). Some players are excellent at calculating the likelihood of various hands turning up and the probability of what their opponent will be dealt. But it’s not easy to predict this and it’s hard to see how it can help unless the player has a strategy in place. Whether it’s online poker or a contact game, poker hand probability is the same.
Online Poker
The growing popularity of the Internet has ushered in an unprecedented growth in the popularity of online poker. Indeed, the Internet has revolutionised the game in so many ways. It’s now more accessible than ever to everyone in all its various forms. There’s a variety of sites from which to choose. The player can pick and choose their site of choice based on the bonuses they offer. Or on their play preference. The answers to questions like ‘what are pot odds?” are easily available. Ditto for questions about drawing odds and poker pot odds in particular. And finding new ways to read poker hands probability has never been so much fun. There are many sites which offer online poker tutorials, as well as sites where it’s possible to play poker, sometimes for free. The best thing to do is to perfect your game strategy as much as possible through tutorials and free games. Then explore the poker sites and pick the one you enjoy most. Remember to choose your favourite sites not only for their great bonuses and graphics but also for their support for ethical gaming. Sites licensed by the UK Gambling Commission are a very good choice.