Poker · Odds
The price of a call
If the pot contains 100 chips after an opponent bets and you must call 20, the final pot would be 120. The immediate break-even share is 20/120, about 16.7%, ignoring future betting.
An out is a remaining card that may improve your hand. Four cards of one suit usually leave nine possible flush cards, but an improved hand can still lose. Do not confuse the chance of improving with the chance of winning.
With nine clean outs and 47 unseen cards on the flop, the chance to hit on the next card is 9/47. The chance to hit by the river is 1 − (38/47 × 37/46), about 35%. Future bets and opponents’ stronger draws change the decision.
Sources and calculations
These references support the topics listed below. Explanations and simulator examples are written by Simulator Lab. Numerical examples are calculations by Simulator Lab using the stated rules and assumptions.
- PokerStars Learn — Pot Odds EN ↗
Call cost compared with the final pot and required equity.
- PokerStars Learn — How to Calculate Outs EN ↗
Nine flush outs, 47 unseen flop cards and outs that also help an opponent.
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