Pot Odds
The ratio of the current pot size to the cost of a call, used to determine if a call is profitable.
Pot odds compare the current size of the pot to the amount you need to call. If the pot is $100 and you need to call $20, your pot odds are 5:1 (or 20%). You then compare this to your probability of winning (your equity) to determine if calling is profitable.
If your chance of winning is greater than the pot odds imply, calling is +EV. For example, with 5:1 pot odds, you need to win more than 16.7% of the time for a profitable call.
Pot odds are the foundation of poker mathematics and one of the first concepts that separate winning players from losing ones. Combined with implied odds (potential future winnings), they guide almost every calling decision.
Formula
Pot Odds = Amount to Call / (Current Pot + Amount to Call)Example
Pot is $100, opponent bets $50. You must call $50 into a pot of $150. Pot odds = 50/200 = 25%. You need 25%+ equity to call.
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