Pot odds
The ratio between what's already in the pot and what it costs you to call. You compare it with your chance of winning to see whether a call pays off over time.
Working it out
If the pot is $80 and your opponent bets $20, the pot is now $100 and it costs you $20 to call. You're risking $20 to win $100, which is 5-to-1. As a percentage, you need to win at least 20 / (100 + 20) ≈ 16.7% of the time for the call to break even.
Comparing with your outs
"Outs" are the cards that would give you the best hand. A flush draw on the flop has 9 outs (13 of the suit, minus the 4 you can see). A quick estimate is the rule of 2 and 4:
- With one card to come, multiply outs by 2: 9 outs ≈ 18%.
- With two cards to come and no more betting, multiply by 4: 9 outs ≈ 36%. (The exact figure for a flush draw from flop to river is about 35%.)
In the example above, a flush draw facing a turn bet has about 18–20% to hit on the river, and you need 16.7%. That's a call. If the bet were the size of the pot, you'd need 33%, and a single card wouldn't get you there.
Implied odds
Pot odds only count what's in the pot now. Implied odds add what you expect to win on later streets if you hit. They can justify a call that looks slightly too expensive. But they're guesswork, and they shrink when your opponent's stack is small or your draw is obvious.
Common mistakes
- Counting outs that also help your opponent, such as a flush card that pairs the board.
- Using the two-card figure when you'll face another bet on the turn.
- Forgetting rake, which takes a slice of every pot you win in cash games.
Pot odds are maths, not a strategy. They tell you if a call is priced right, not whether to be in the hand at all.
Related
18+ only. Gambling can be harmful. Set limits before you play, and see our responsible gambling guide if it stops being fun.