How Are Poker Outs Calculated?

In poker, an “out” is any unseen card that will improve the player’s hand to a winning hand when it is drawn. The player will use these outs to calculate the probability of winning the hand.

There are two ways to calculate outs. The first is to use the rule of four and the second is to use the rule of two.

The rule of four says that for every one out, the player has a 4% chance of hitting that card on the next draw. So, if a player has four outs, they have a 16% chance of hitting one of those cards on the next draw.

PRO TIP:When calculating poker outs, start by counting the number of cards left in the deck that can improve your hand. For example, if you have a flush draw with 9♣ 10♣ and the board shows K♣ J♣ 6♥ 8♥, there are nine cards that will complete your flush (4 remaining Kings, 4 remaining Jacks and 1 remaining Ace). Therefore, you have 9 outs.

The rule of two is a more accurate way to calculate outs, but it is more complicated. It says that for every one out, the player has a 2% chance of hitting that card on the next draw.

So, if a player has four outs, they have an 8% chance of hitting one of those cards on the next draw.

To calculate the probability of winning the hand, the player will need to know how many outs they have and what their chances are of hitting one of those cards on the next draw.