Odds, equity and theory
Pot odds in poker
Definition
The 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.
The equity you need is the call divided by the final pot after you call: bet / (pot + 2 × bet), where pot is the money in the middle before the bet. A call is profitable when your equity is higher than this number.
Pot odds consider only the money in the pot now. Money you expect to win later is counted separately as implied odds.
Example
A $50 bet into a $100 pot costs $50 to win $150, so you need 50 / 200 = 25% equity.
Try the calculatorWork it out with our free Pot Odds Calculator.Read the guideGo deeper in our guide.
Related terms
- EquityYour share of the pot based on how often your hand wins when all remaining cards are dealt.
- Implied oddsPot odds adjusted for the extra money you expect to win on later streets if you hit your hand.
- OutsThe unseen cards that will improve your hand to one that is likely to win.
- CallTo match the current bet and stay in the hand.
- Minimum defence frequency (MDF)The share of your range you must continue with against a bet so that the bettor's bluffs cannot profit automatically.