How Do You Calculate Poker Odds?

In poker, odds are everything. They’re the likelihood of making a hand, of winning a pot, of being dealt aces preflop.

They’re also the reason why so many people lose money playing the game.

If you don’t know how to calculate poker odds, you’re at a severe disadvantage. The good news is, it’s not that difficult.

With a little practice, you’ll be cranking out calculations in your head and making better decisions at the table in no time.

This guide will teach you how to calculate poker odds for both preflop and postflop situations. By the end, you’ll know exactly how to work out odds in your head and be able to apply them in real-time.

Poker Odds Preflop

Preflop poker odds are the likelihood of being dealt a certain hand or making a certain hand before the flop. For example, the odds of being dealt pocket aces preflop are 220:1 (or 0.

45%). The odds of making a flush with those same pocket aces are 4:1 (or 20%).

To calculate preflop poker odds, you need to know two things: the number of outs you have and the number of cards in the deck. An out is any card that will improve your hand.

For example, if you have an open-ended straight draw (meaning you can hit either end of the straight), you have eight outs.

The number of cards in the deck is 52 (excluding jokers). To calculate your preflop poker odds, simply divide your outs by the number of cards left in the deck (52 – 2).

PRO TIP:When calculating poker odds, consider the following: the number of outs you have to make your hand, the amount of money in the pot, and how many players are in the hand. Additionally, remember to factor in implied odds when making a decision as implied odds can drastically change your decision.

So, if you have an open-ended straight draw with eight outs, your preflop poker odds are 8/50 = 0.16 = 16%.

Poker Odds Postflop

Postflop poker odds are more complicated than preflop because there are more variables at play. When calculating postflop poker odds, you need to know three things: yourouts, the number of cards left in the deck, and the number of opponents you’re up against. An out is any card that will improve your hand; for example, if you have an open-ended straight draw (meaning you can hit either end of the straight), you have eight outs.

The number of cards left in the deck is 52 (excluding jokers). And finally, opponents can complicate things because they may have drawing hands themselves which reduces your chances of winning even if you do make your hand.

To calculate postflop poker odds, divide your outs by the number Of cards left in The deck And then multiply That by The number Of opponents You’re up against:

Outs ÷ (Cards Left In Deck – Your Hand) x Opponents

For example, let’s say you have an open-ended straight draw with eight outs on a flop of J♥ 10♦ 9♣ against two opponents. To calculate your postflop poker odds, divide your outs by the number of cards left in the deck (52 – 3) and then multiply that by two (because there are two opponents):

8 ÷ (52 – 3) x 2 = 0.18 x 2 = 36%

So your chances Of making The straight on The turn Are approximately 36%.

Poker Odds Conclusion

Odds are essential to poker because they can help you decide whether to continue or fold when you don’t have much information to go on. By understanding and calculating them accurately, you can put yourself in situations where continuing is mathematically +EV (meaning it will make you money in the long run).

Learning how to calculate poker odds can seem daunting at first but it’s actually quite straightforward once you get some practice in. Use this guide as a reference and before long,you’ll be cranking out calculations quickly and easily at the table.