Capitalise on mistakes with some simple maths

Strategy expert in the first of a two-part series on assessing value in Texas Hold'em. First up, pot odds and counting ‘outs'

A GOOD grasp of the mathematics of poker is a fundamental building block in the moulding of any poker player.

Pot odds is a descriptive term used to illustrate the odds you are getting in any specific single hand.

For example, you are on the river and have your opponent on either a pure bluff or the nuts. The pot is £200 and then he bets £100. You think heis bluffing, so you should call. You are getting 3-1 on a call (300:100) and this is a clearly
profitable call.

If, on the other hand, he bets £200, this is a fold, given it is
break-even at best inthe long-term.

Looking at pot odds and instantly recognising good spots to chase and try to hit a card are key to capitalising on opponents mistakes in games.

Let us say you hold 4-4 and limped in after several limpers. The flop brings A-9-6 and one player bets £1 into a pot of £29. Here is a spot where you should realise your outs and your
fantastic pot odds. Getting 30-1 is a fantastic price to try to hit your 4.

When looking at cards to hit, take the ‘outs' you probably have (here a 4 will almost definitely win it for you) and multiply that number by two for the probability that you will hit it on
the next street. So two remaining fours multiplied by two equals four, meaning you have a four per cent shot at hitting a 4 on the next street. Comparing 4/100 = 1/25 to your
pot odds of 1/30 and you will see you have a profitable call based on pot odds.

When you factor in implied odds (how much more you could win based on subsequent betting), this is an easy call.

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