Odds, equity and theory
Implied odds in poker
Definition
Pot odds adjusted for the extra money you expect to win on later streets if you hit your hand.
Implied odds justify calls that pure pot odds reject, such as calling with a small pair to hit a set. They are highest when stacks are deep and the opponent is likely to pay you off.
They are lower when your hand is obvious, when your opponent has a short stack or when you can be beaten by a better draw.
Related terms
- Pot oddsThe ratio between the size of the pot and the cost of a call; it gives the equity you need for a call to break even.
- Reverse implied oddsThe risk of losing extra money on later streets when you hit a hand that is still second best.
- Suited connectorsTwo consecutive cards of the same suit, such as 8♠7♠ or J♥10♥.
- DrawA hand that is not yet made but can become a strong one with the right card to come.