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Well, Pot Odds is the ratio of what is already in
the pot to the amount you would have to bet to stay in the hand. So, if
there are $36 in the pot, and you would need to bet $6 to stay in the
hand, the pot odds are 36 to 6, or 6 to 1.
Why would you need to know this?
One example of using pot odds is when your hand is
not yet the best hand at the table, but it could be if the right card
comes up next. For instance, with four cards on the board you hold four
clubs. The odds of completing the flush on the river are roughly 5 to 1
against you. That means for you to bet there should be at least five times
the bet amount in the pot. If the bet to you is $2, then there should be
at least $10 in the pot to make it worth calling.
Suppose there were $24 in the pot when you were
making that decision. The odds of landing that club and getting the best
hand at the table were 5 to 1. The pot would pay you 12 to 1 on
your bet. That makes calling the bet the right decision to make. You may
not land your club and win the hand, but over the long run playing this
way will be to your advantage.
Another instance of using pot odds is after the
river, when the final bet comes to you. If the pot holds $40, and the bet
in front of you is $4, you can use pot odds to decide what to do. The pot
is laying you Ten to One odds. ($40 against your $4 bet). Even though you
feel your opponent may have the better hand, do you think he is ten
times more likely to have a better hand? If so, fold. If not, call the
bet and see his cards.
There are plenty of times at the poker table when
you will be asking yourself, "Is it worth staying in this hand?". Being
able to use pot odds will help you answer that question correctly more
often.
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