Texas Holdem Poker Hands and Pot Odds Full Explanation

Last time we discussed the preliminary concepts of poker strategy regarding positions and initial hand tactics.

Today's topic is an extension of our previous discussion, focusing on the fundamental concept of "Poker Pot odds" when facing different players' raises in various positions.

This concept of the Texas Holdem Poker hands and poker pot odds determines how much profit we can make at the poker table, and we will come up with examples for discussion. Feel free to use an online poker odds calculator and let's explore together how to make decisions in these scenarios that best align with a positive expected value in poker.

Poker Pot Odds and Hidden Odds

In poker strategy, hidden odds can be understood alongside pot odds. Pot odds refer to the ratio between the cost of taking a risk and the potential winnings if successful. Hidden odds indicate how many chips we can potentially win in subsequent betting rounds if we hit a successful draw.

Poker pot odds are an objective and explicit number within the game's rules. In contrast, hidden odds are more subjective and variable. It's not a concrete value that can be directly calculated through tools.

It's more like determining how much extra you need to win in the following betting rounds to balance your overall gains and losses with your Texas Holdem poker hands.

This is why, often in poker, understanding when the hidden odds are favorable becomes a crucial key to maneuvering and profiting in the game.

Texas Holdem Poker Hands and Odds Example

So, what leads to higher hidden odds? Through the explanation of poker tactics mentioned above, we understand that hidden odds refer to the opponent's Texas holdem poker hands' ability to pay in subsequent betting rounds.

Hence, the first thing to determine is whether your opponent has further chips to pay. If the opponent is already all-in, it means there are no hidden odds in that hand, and players need only focus on pot odds.

Assuming your opponent has sufficient depth to pay, what kind of hand can make them pay?

In addressing this question, the primary consideration is drawing hands, such as flush or straight draws related to the community cards. Then comes the issue of "hiddenness."

Poker Odds Example 1

Our opponent raises with Aces from the small blind, and we have 6-8 suited in the big blind. The flop comes K/5/9, not suited. This gives us an open-ended straight draw to the 7. However, from the small blind player's perspective, if they bet and we call, we might appear to have a hand containing a King or possibly a 9. When the turn or river completes the straight with a 7, we can extract significant value.

Poker Odds Example 2

Again, the opponent has Aces, and we hold 6-8 suited. The flop is K/5/7. This gives us a double-sided straight draw. However, due to the stronger connectivity, if the small blind bets and we call, we need to be cautious about future connecting cards like 3/4/8/9, as these cards could complete straights with our hand such as 4/6 or 6/8. Consequently, the value we could extract diminishes.

To summarize, for higher hidden odds, a player needs payment ability, and it's crucial to meet the following key criteria:

• The more concealed your drawing hand is, the higher the hidden odds become.
• The more obvious your drawing hand, the lower the hidden odds.
• The stronger your opponent's hand, the higher the hidden odds.
• The weaker your opponent's hand, the lower the hidden odds.

Poker Pot Odds Calculation

The application of hidden odds refers to the amount needed to win after hitting a draw that allows our prior call to be profitable. So how can this be calculated? The concept is straightforward:

Required hidden odds = (Probability of hitting the draw - Pot Odds) * Current amount to call.

For instance, in an 8-handed game, let's say we're drawing to the nut flush. The current pot is 300, and the opponent bets 300, which sets the pot odds at 300/300 = 2:1. The probability of hitting the draw is 32:9 = 3.6:1. Subtracting these odds gives us 1.6:1. Multiplying 1.6 by the amount to call (300) results in 480.

This 480 represents the additional amount the opponent needs to pay us in the subsequent betting rounds after we call to reach an equilibrium of gains and losses.

Today's poker strategy topic is Texas holdem poker hands and poker pot odds, a useful indicator when assessing how much profit our poker hand could potentially earn from opponents. I suggest applying this concept to review previous poker hands, whether played online or offline. Check if, by applying this concept at that time, you obtained the expected value. Use this review to adjust your future strategies. This concept will be frequently referenced but won't be elaborated on further, so it's crucial to understand it. Until next time!

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